One Cebu’s standard bearer for the gubernatorial position reiterated his offer to the incumbent vice governor to be his running.
In declaring this, Rep. Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd district may have closed the door to the 2010 One Cebu vice gubernatorial bet Glenn Soco, who had just lost his election protest in the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Soco had earlier announced his plans to run again for vice governor in 2013.
Garcia said that One Cebu has not thought of any other name aside from Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale of the Durano clan Bakud Party whose bailiwick is the 5th district.
“There is an existing alliance- Bakud, Alayon and One Cebu. This alliance remains,” he said.
Alayon is led by the Gullas clan of the 1st district, while One Cebu is dominated by the Garcia family.
“Let’s respect the rule of the equity of the incumbent,” he added.
Pablo John also emphasized that as long as this alliance stands, they would stand as one party.
“We have never even thought of putting up any candidate in the 1st district because that alliance with Alayon party stands,” he said.
“The alliance here is all about Cebu,” he added.
To prove he is serious in his gubernatorial bid, Rep. Garcia said he will be going around Cebu province to make himself known.
In an interview after the 888 News Forum in Marco Polo, Rep. Garcia admitted he still has to make himself known in some districts of Cebu province.
“I will have to continue my duties as the lawmaker representing the 3rd district. But once I have free time, I will be going around the province to consult leaders and allies of One Cebu and to make myself known,” he told reporters.
“If you open yourself as an alternative in the election it would be unfair to the people if you do not make yourself known. They will be asking: ‘Kinsa man ni siya?’ What are his plans and what is he going to do?’ While the third district really knows me and maybe the second district a little, I have to really introduce myself to the other parts of the province,” he added.
Magpale meanwhile has been mum, at least for the time being her plans in 2013. She had said earlier that her Bakud Party will make formal announcements later this month.
The administration Liberal Party (LP) has also dangled to her the vice gubernatorial position. The LP is grooming Hilario Davide III to be its gubernatorial bet in 2013.