Gwen can run for Senate under NP fold, says Marcos

If Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia does run for the Senate, she is welcome to join the Nacionalista Party (NP), Sen. “Bongbong” Marcos said yesterday.

“May puhonan na kalaki-laki (that’s a large investment)…I do not pre-empt the governor but you know we’re always talking. I’m sure the governor will be welcomed in NP if she choses to run,” he said.

The senator said all national parties are looking to Cebu as a vote-rich territory.

Marcos said preparations for 2013 will intensify after the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

Among the sure bets, Marcos said Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano is a candidate for the NP in 2013.

Marcos said they are looking at three main factions in 2013, the Liberal Party, PDP-Laban and another party.

He said he isn’t ruling out a coalition between NP and PDP-Laban.

Deputy House Speaker Pablo Garcia said a coalition of some parties for 2013 will be the norm based on past senatorial elections.

Governor Garcia said their One Cebu party is studying any coalition offer that comes their way.

“A coalition party is most welcomed. I think that’s the way this country should go,” she told reporters.

She thanked Sen. Marcos for his comments but kept mum on her plans.

Last week, Vice President Jejomar Binay said they are looking at the local political situation in Cebu.

Binay, who visited Cebu last week for negotiations into the province-owned 93-1 lots, told reporters that he has yet to hear of  Governor Garcia’s plans for next year. /Carmel Loise Matus, Correspondent