Cebu governor drops plan to run for Senate—Binay

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. INQUIRER PHOTO

ARGAO, Cebu, Philippines—Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia is no longer running for senator in next year’s midterm elections, Vice President Jejoma Binay, chairman of the United Nationalist Alliance, said here Thursday.

Binay told reporters in Argao, southern Cebu, that Garcia had asked UNA leaders that she be allowed to remain in local politics in Cebu.

Binay emphasized that the governor’s backing out of the senatorial race was not because of her poor ratings in the surveys.

“In fairness to Governor Garcia, hers is a very logical decision. Her reasons are correct; she’s needed more in Cebu,” he said.

Binay said UNA coalition leaders spoke with Garcia when she was in Manila a few days ago.

Asked if there was any replacement yet for Garcia on the UNA ticket, Binay said it would have to be discussed with UNA.