Binghay says he gave way to ‘winnable’ Gwen

Provincial Board member Alex Binghay said he was ready to run for congress, but realized he can’t win in Cebu’s 3rd district against Cebu governor and One Cebu partymate Gwendolyn Garcia.

Binghay, who attended Garcia’s 56th birthday celebration at the Capitol yesterday, said he accepted the “reality of losing” against the governor because One Cebu’s organization was intact in midwest Cebu.

The incumbent congressman is the governors brother Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

“When PJ told me about the change of plan, he felt somewhat embarassed with the move but I said go ahead. Ako na lang ang musibog,” Binghay recalled. (I will be the one to give way.)

Binghay, a former mayor of Balamban town, offered to run for congress when Gwen announced she would seek a senate seat under the United Nationalist Alliance but many anticipated she would keep the 3rd district as her fallback if her ratings didn’t go up.

Binghay said his long friendship with the Garcia clan, especially with PJ Garcia, was a big factor in his decision, and even rejected an invitation to join the Liberal Party.

“We in One Cebu have been together for quite a time already. It wouldn’t be proper to leave the party. There will be another time for that,” he said.

Binghay, a first term PB member, is seeking reelection.

Asked about the chances of Pinamungahan Mayor Geraldine Yapha, Garcia’s lone rival in the 3rd district, Binghay said she had a “hard” time ahead.

“I’ve been around the district for three years. I know the sentiments of the people. The governor will win this.”