PJ: Definitely not Gwen for vice gov

THE search continues for a running mate for Rep. Pablo John Garcia who is seeking the Cebu governorship in 2013.

At least four individuals are being considered, he said, including a persistent contender, businessman Glenn Soco, who lost his vice gubernatorial bid in 2010 but insists he was cheated of victory.

Pablo John told reporters yesterday the shortlist of the One Cebu party includes  Soco but not his sister, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

“Definitely, not Governor Gwen. You can scratch her name off the list,” the congressman said.

The governor, who can’t be reelected due to term limits, is seeking a Senate seat under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), but speculation remains that she could still run for a congressional seat or even the vice governorship if her national ratings don’t rise.

Pablo John said he cannot reveal the names of the other nominees just yet.

“I don’t want to mention names. Instead of uniting, it may become a divisive process,” he told reporters in the Governor’s Office yesterday.

Garcia said the prospects themselves wanted to keep their names secret until there’s official confirmation.

“They want the process to be within the party yet,” he said.

The congressman said One Cebu’s tandem would be a strong contender to the ticket of Hilario Davide III and Vic.

He dismissed suggestions that his elder sister would eventually become his running mate.

President Aquino will be in Danao City on Saturday where the coalition will be formally announced during the birthday of Bakud president Ramon “Nito” Durano III, vice mayor of Danao City.

Magpale is Durano’s cousin and belongs to the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) party of Cebu’s 5th district.

A family feud in the Durano clan has Vice Mayor Durano at odds with his brothers Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano and Don Durano.

Congressman Garcia said the President’s visit in Cebu is welcome, saying Aquino won in Cebu in 2010 due to the “outpouring support of the Cebuanos.”

“Aquino was supported by a broad coalition of parties. The president is bigger than LP,” Garcia said.

Garcia said there’s a possibility that local officials would support a “mixed ticket” in next year’s elections due to their relations with One Cebu party.

“All of us (candidates) dream. The path towards the elections is still very long,” he said. /Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol