Alayon, LP talk: Gwen, 1st district

Who will go up against Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in Cebu’s  3rd district now that she’s dropped out of the Senate race?

It’s still under discussion, according to  Liberal Party Cebu province chairman Hilario Davide III, who said   there are suggestions to field Pinamungahan Mayor Geraldine Yapha for the congressional seat.

Also being studied is the potential of fielding Gigi Sanchez Zaballero, daughter of the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., for a seat in the Provincial Board representing the 3rd district.

Davide said that so far, LP has completed its local slates in Cebu’s  2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th congressional districts.

They are still working to fill the 1st district held by outgoinRep. Eduardo  Gullas and the 3rd district, where Rep. Pablo John Garcia is hoping his sister will replace him in 2013.

October 1 to 5 is the deadline for filing certificates of candidacy.

After Gullas announced on Saturday that his local Alayon party is forming a coalition with the Liberals, parties are waiting for his next declaration about the battle for the governorship because he qualified that “I didn’t say that I would support Davide.”

Davide yesterday told reporters: “If a coalition is formed between Alayon and LP, I expect Alayon will support my candidacy and that of vice governor Agnes Magpale.

But this is still subject to consultation.”

Vice Governor  Magpale said she was “grateful” for  Gullas’  announcement of a coalition but  “it would be better if the support will also be given to the governor candidate (Davide) and the rest of the LP  candidates.”

The LP’s lineup is on hold pending results of the meeting of Gulas and the administration party’s top leaders.

Gullas was in Manila yesterday.

Davide said the outcome of the meeting will clarify their plans for Cebu’s 1st district, composed of cities of Talisay, Carcar and Naga, and towns of San Fernando and Sibonga.

“I have already started talking to congressman Gullas.. but I will wait for the outcome of their meetin),” said Davide.

Davide spoke at a press conference called Cebu City Rep.  Rep. Tomas Osmeña who explained his decision to realign  P400 million worth of national road projects in favor of the 1st district to help Gullas finish his road widening project from Carcar to Sibonga.

Davide said he is happy that . Osmeña and Gullas have reconciled through this infrastructure aid  that would boost the economy in south Cebu and Cebu City. /Edison A. delos Angeles, Correspondent with reports from Joy Cherry Quito