Gwen acknowledged as Senate bet in PCL Congress

SHE hasn’t even filed her candidacy yet and still, she was acknowledged as a senatorial candidate for next year’s elections by delegates of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Visayas Island Congress yesterday evening.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who wore a black polo shirt bearing the words “I Love PCL” described the Congress as “a force one can’t disregard” when a local official runs for national office” in a speech before the delegates last night.

A dinner sponsored by the Capitol for the PCL members dubbed the “Governor’s Night” was held at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

The Congress consists of 700 councilors from Visayas, Luzon and Mindanao.

PCL national president and actress Alma Moreno-Salik sat beside the governor with PCL Cebu Chapter Head Ivy Durano-Meca, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and PCL national chairman Allan Zulueta.

“The PCL is the biggest league in the country. It is a potent force in ensuring that the delivery of basic services are met, good governance and the growth of the economy,” Garcia said.

The governor also said the 17,500-strong PCL “can lead their people” in choosing the country’s next leaders.

On her speech Durano-Meca, a Danao City councilor, referred to Garcia as the next “senator of the Republic of the Philippines.”

The address was met with applause from the delegates.

The councilor said Garcia she has not been remiss in provinding support to the PCL since she was elected governor in 2004.

She said the United Nationalist Alliance was correct when they described Garcia as a “performer.”

“If I may confess, aside from the financial assistance she gives whenever we knock at her office, she (Garcia) also gives good advice, solace and comfort,” she said.

An audio visual presentation showcasing Governor Garcia’s past accomplishments and goals as governor was featured during the welcome program.

Garcia said the culture of governance in Cebu is different and quoted the Cebuano phrase, “Di sulti ang pabuhaton, buhat ang pasultion (Don’t talk about what you’ll do, do what you talk about).”

The delegates, during and after their dinner, were treated to the festival dances of Toledo, Danao and Mandaue City while acclaimed violinist Jake Gacang serenaded them.

Today, 500 of the delegates will leave for Danao City and board a ferry to San Francisco in Camotes Island. They will have lunch at Lake Danao and relax at Santiago Bay.

They will return to Cebu for the Fellowship Night with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza. The remaining 200 who could not be accomodated at Camotes will experience a city tour at Colon Street, Capitol, and Museo Sugbo.