Davide III to run, calls Sonny’s move ‘a minor setback’

HILARIO “Junjun” Davide III said there’s no turning back in his second gubernatorial bid  and that former Sen. John Henry Osmeña’s withdrawal of support was a “very minor setback.”

“I am running for governor on 2013 under the Liberal Party. And I’ve asked Mrs. Davide already,” he said in a press conference.

Transportation secretary Mar Roxas, who is LP national president, described Davide as the “soon-to be governor of Cebu” during his visit here Tuesday for a regional assembly of Provincial Board members.

“I’m thankful for his (Roxas) statement. Manila has faith in me, they trust me,” said Davide.

The lawyer was  criticized as a weak leader by former senator Osmeña in a press conference the other day.  He said, “Davide has failed to impart to the national LP administration the importance of cleansing.  We need an assertive and aggressive local leadership.”

Davide said the former senator should put his complaint in writing and send it to their national office.

He acknowledged Osmeña’s “network” in the province but said the 77-year-old politician can leave LP if he wants.

“If he feels that I can’t lead LP, then of course he is free to create his own force,”  said Davide.

“Maybe he’s used to getting what he wants. He has his own style, I have my own style. What’s important is that I have the trust and confidence of the LP national (office), otherwise they would have had me replaced,” said Davide, Cebu party chairman.

“We will pursue our campaign for good governance. I still maintain my clear purpose for the next political exercise. I accept this challenge, magpadayon ghapon mi,” he said.

Earlier, Osmeña said he was looking at five other Cebuano political figures as alternatives for a party candidate for the governorship.

He mentioned Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez, Rep. Luigi Quisumbing of Cebu’s 6th district, former tourism secretary Ace Durano,and Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s 4th district as candidates.

Osmeña said he wanted a leader with a track record. Davide is a three-term Cebu City councilor and a lawyer.

“Maybe he wants to challenge me. To challenge my leadership and the party here in Cebu because he feels nga wala siya tagda, wala atimana iyang mga yangungu,” Davide said in the press conference.

Meanwhile, Davide said he was in constant communication with Vice Governor Magpale and that they “share information” about political developments.

Magpale is a member of the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan Ug Demokrasya (Bakud) Party headed by Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, her cousin and political mentor.

“We talk. We share information, her view of the province of Cebu, my own view of the province,” Davide said.

Discussions are ongoing for a possible alliance between Bakud and LP in Cebu’s next election.

Magpale is being courted as a runningmate of Davide but no decision on this has been reached yet by either camp.

Davide said LP is recruiting members and other parties to its side and starting February, would have monthly meetings to prepare for 2013. /Reporter Candeze Mongaya with a report from Reporter Dale Israel