Binay on UNA-One Cebu split: There are gains, losses

MACTAN CITY — Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday said he respected the decision of One Cebu party led by gubernatorial bet Winston Garcia to bolt out of its alliance with the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA).

Binay called a press conference a day after he bore the brunt of punches thrown by his presidential contenders who accused him of corruption during the second Comelec PiliPinas Debate at the University of the Philippines Cebu.

“We respect their decision. But let me just assure you, people of Cebu, of the promises and commitments I made if I become president,” Binay said.

He reiterated his promise of building a Malacañang in Cebu as well as making the city more competitive.

Asked if the break-up in alliance would translate to loss in core support from the vote-rich province, Binay said, “Let’s just put it this way. There are losses, and there are gains.”

Winston Garcia also held a press conference on Monday and confirmed that it has broken its alliance with UNA over its alleged neglect in including them in their campaign sorties in Cebu province.

“One Cebu entered into an alliance with UNA in the belief that it will be a partnership of equals. UNA treated One Cebu like Imperial Manila treats the rest of the Philippines (with disrespect),” Garcia said.

Winston said One Cebu was not even invited during the public rally on Monday night in Lapu-Lapu City.

He also said that UNA did not inform them regarding Binay’s sortie in Cebu last Thursday in Carcar City, Dalaguete, Argao, and Talisay City.

“Right from the outset, UNA regarded the alliance as nothing more than a marriage of convenience,” Garcia said.

In the press conference, Binay also denied having a shouting match with Garcia over the phone on Friday.

He clarified that Garcia’s daughter Cebu Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia remains a member of UNA.

Binay also said he is close friends with Cebu city mayor Mike Rama. JE

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