Although they belong to opposite sides of the fence, former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña did Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn a favor with his “fearless” prediction of her younger brother’s victory in next year’s elections.
In Tuesday’s 888 News Forum, Osmeña said he believes Rep. Pablo John Garcia would win over rival Hilario Davide III of the Liberal Party-Bakud alliance in the gubernatorial race.
Governor Garcia yesterday thanked Osmeña for his statement, saying it came from a “seasoned politician who has fought a lot of political battles.”
“Any comment of his (Osmeña) will always merit attention. Like Pablo John, I would like to thank him for his fearless forecast. That is why I am here to fight battles with my brother,” Garcia told reporters at the Capitol.
Osmeña, who has long expressed his dismay over the choice of Davide as the LP standard bearer, told reporters during the forum that he advised LP-Bakud not to field anyone against Gwen in the 3rd congressional district race.
“Before filing the certificates of candidacy, I said that if they cannot get (Provincial Board member) Alex Binghay as the candidate for congressman, better not put anyone up against Gov. Gwen,” Osmeña said.
But Osmeña said LP-Bakud ignored his advice and fielded Pinamungahan mayor Geraldine Yapha for congress.
Inspite of his endorsement, Governor Garcia said she will still support Toledo City Mayor Aurelio Espinosa against Osmeña.
The 77-year-old Osmeña will run for mayor in Toledo City. Osmeña said he figured out early the governor’s plan to drop her Senate bid to focus on Cebu’s 3rd district.
“I became senator in just a span of a few years using the publicity that one can generate as a member of Congress. She can show off her abilities on the national stage,” Osmeña said.
Garcia said she can only hope that her path would follow the same route as Osmeña. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos