Magpale declines offer, sticks with vice gov post

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said she was “more comfortable” seeking reelection and that she and her party Bakud were not keen on her running for governor in 2013.

She said she felt “humbled” by the statement of Hilario “Junjun” Davide III, who raised the possibility of switching roles and giving up his gubernatorial plans as Liberal Party province chairman, in favor of Magpale, with him as her runningmate.

“I would say no, that’s not for me.  And the  Liberal (party) should not do that to Junjun. I am more comfortable running for the position of  vice governor. But we don’t know yet which party.   Pero dili gyud ko manapaw,” Magpale told Cebu Daily News.

Sought for comment, Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who declared his intent last week to run for governor and succeed his elder sister Gwen under the One Cebu party, said in a text message: “I don’t know. I’m sure his supporters are as puzzled as we are at this seeming indecisiveness.”

Magpale said the idea of sliding to the no. 2 position was  Davide’s idea and did not reflect the thinking of her party Bakud.

Magpale said the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud)  of the 5th district will announce later this month the outcome of long-running talks with LP.

She said the decision was delayed as the party had to attend to the recall petition in Danao City.

Magpale clarified that the alliance between Bakud and One Cebu led by the Garcias was only for the 2010 elections.

The alliance “is renewable every election,” she said.

“That is what my party chairman told me”  referring to Danao City Vice Mayor Ramonito Durano.

“For all intents and purposes, Bakud now is free to choose,” she added.

Magpale repeated that “I can work with anybody” and recalled that when she and Gwen Garcia started in 2004, they belonged to different parties.

“I haven’t worked with Pablo John and there is no reason why I won’t be able to work with him.  Basin pareho ra tingali sila ni Gov?” she said, referring to style of governance.

Magpale said she has been talking with Davide for almost a year when  LP started talks with Bakud.

“It has been a year but I just didn’t bring it out in the open until I was actually asked. Serious talk started when my chairman (Ramonito Durano) met with Junjun  and met with LP stalwarts. That was last year.”

Durano is expected to return from the United States within the month. She said Durano, her cousin, already knows her personal choice.

“In the discussion, free man kaayo na si Nito. One thing with him, he listens. Mamati na siya ug unsa ang mga suggestions,” Magpale reiterated.

Both One Cebu and LP have invited Magpale to be their vice gubernatorial bet in 2013.

Asked if the two parties can have her as a common candidate, Magpale said sharing her was unlikely.

“Bakud would like that. But  I don’t think it would be allowed, especially by One Cebu.”

“It is a possibility but if the party thinks about it, it would be a sign of weakness for that particular party who will not field a candidate.

“Bakud is not fielding a governor. The difference for Bakud is that we won’t have to think about fielding candidates in all towns, just those in the 5th district. That’s what’s been happening. We have been fielding only in the 5th district,” Magpale explained.

In  recent weeks, Magpale was seen with LP-affiliated officials in various public gatherings. The last one was the May 11 unveiling of a monument of  the late Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr. in Tuburan town and the feeding program in Mandaue City attended of 6th district Rep. Luigi Quisumbing with LP members, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, and Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado.

She said her presence in both affairs was a matter of protocol to represent the province and upon their invitation.

The events with LP officials were only “a coincidence” she said, and that she is also seen in public events with Governor Garcia./Reporter Dale G. Israel