Agnes’ clout in 5th district a big factor for Liberals

If the tandem pushes through, it will be  a “strong one”, said Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. of the Liberal Party.

He said the pairing of LP Cebu chairman Hilario “Junjun” Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale of the Bakud party would offer a fresh change in 2013.

“In my view, the people of Cebu want new names and faces. It’s natural to want change and because the administration (in Malacañang) has also changed.  The Garcias have been in power for many years,” said Martinez.

From 1995 to the present, a Garcia has occupied the Capitol – two terms for Gov. Pablo and three terms for his daughter Gwen.

Martinez, an  LP stalwart said Davide has been rating well in their surveys while Magpale brings a solid base in the 5th district where her relatives in the Durano clan hold sway.

“Ligon si Magpale,” he said. “In the last 2010 election, that’s where Junjun lost big – in the 5th district.”

When Davide, a former Cebu city councilor ran against Gwen Garcia in 2010, he lost by a margin of 96,341 votes.

Both the LP and the Garcia-led One Cebu party are inviting Magpale to be their vice gubernatorial bet.

But she said the  decision will be made by her party the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) and announced by its leader,  Ramonito Durano, her cousin and vice mayor of Danao City, who is still abroad.

Last Thursday, the Garcia-led One  Cebu party announced that  Rep. Pablo John Garcia would seek the governorship in 2013 and strike an alliance with United National Alliance (UNA).

With that, Martinez said the Liberals have to prepare well.

The Bogo mayor said Davide hasn’t called any meetings yet for this.

“We are waiting for Junjun, to hear his plans and strategies. No meetings were called yet for the district chairman and municipal chairman. Davide should know the strengths of each bet he plans to support even if it’s still early,”  Martinez said.

Martinez said Cebu’s 5th district  anchored by Danao City, is a key area.

“As of now, you can’t take the 5th district lightly because the Garcias also have their own group,” he said, citing Liloan town mayor Duke Frasco, the governor’s son-in law and the Wagas family in Compostela.

“Although Magpale is strong in the 5th district, the LP can’t be overconfident  with that setup.

“The Garcias has been in power for a long time and  have established good relationships with the mayors,” he said.

Meanwhile, Gigi Sanchez- Zaballero, eldest daughter of the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez, an LP stalwart, said her family will support Davide and Magpale for the 2013 elections.

Although she transferred her voter’s registration to  Tuburan town in the 3rd district,  Zaballero said this was for business reasons and that she’s not interested in running for any position.