In Cebu, VP doubles effort to show backing

TOLEDO CITY, Cebu—After losing the support of the local political party One Cebu, Vice President Jejomar Binay doubled his effort to show he still has key supporters in the vote-rich province of Cebu.

Binay made himself visible in political rallies here and in Cebu City of prominent Cebuano politicians John Henry Osmeña and Mike Rama.

In this city, Osmeña, now the city mayor, introduced Binay as the “next President.” In Cebu City, the Vice President was at a rally organized by Mayor Rama.

Speaking for at least 12 minutes in Osmeña’s proclamation rally, Binay promised to build an airport in the Toledo village of Arpili and an international seaport in the village of Dumlog.

Osmeña, a former senator, said the two projects are what his city needs the most.

Osmeña was also scheduled to meet with presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, fueling speculation that Osmeña was also dumping Binay.

But Osmeña, after his proclamation rally, denied he is junking the Vice President.

“I have not endorsed anybody except Binay,” said Osmeña.

Explaining his meeting with Duterte, Osmeña said his and the Duterte clans “have a very, very long history of friendship.”

“As of now, I’m with Binay,” said Osmeña. “It’s a matter of honor. I am not a turncoat,” he said.

At Osmeña’s rally, Binay also shared the stage with Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia, a leader of One Cebu, giving the Binay camp the chance to claim that the Garcias are split on their decision whether to support the Vice President.

In her speech, Gwendolyn said she would stick with the United Nationalist Alliance despite the decision of her brother, Winston, to severe ties with Binay’s party.

From this city, Binay proceeded to Cebu City to attend the proclamation rally of Team Rama headed by Mayor Rama at Plaza Independencia.

Binay told reporters in Cebu he doesn’t rely only on the support of local politicians.

“In my experience, nothing beats campaigning directly to the people, not through any leader,” said Binay.

Binay said he is optimistic that he would get more votes in Cebu province than what he got in 2010.

In the 2010 elections in Cebu, Binay got only 226,278 votes compared to Mar Roxas, who got 589,310 votes.

Admitting he doesn’t have Visayan roots, Binay said what is important is he becomes the President “of the entire country.” With a report from Connie E. Fernandez, Inquirer Visayas