‘We gave her a good fight’

FOR a physician from a small town up against a nine-year Cebu governor, the May 2013 was a worthwhile battle.

“We gave her a very good fight,” said Pinamungahan Mayor Geraldine Yapha who accepted her defeat to Gwen Garcia.

“If results showed that she won, I would gladly concede to that. I was able to give her butterflies in her stomach. It’s just unfortunate (that I came short of votes to defeat her),” she told Cebu Daily News over the phone.

“I think it was good enough for me as a neophtye candidate for the 3rd district. I just would like to thank my supporters. There are a lot of things revealed here and I was able to know who are really loyal to me. I’m looking forward to another race in the future,” she added.

Asked if she would run again in 2016, Yapha said “anything is possible. I could. I may not. It depends on the next three years. It’s premature to say something about my political plans. Lets see if people want me to serve.”

Her father, Dr. Antonio Yapha, a former 3rd district congressman won the vice mayoralty race in Toledo City with former senator John Osmeña as mayor. Her mother Estrella lost her mayoralty bid in Pinamungahan.

Geraldine said she’s willing to help Liberal Party’s gubernatorial bet Hilario “Junjun” Davide III, whose margin of over 150,000 votes makes him a sure winner.

Another LP winner, businesswoman and civil engineer Gricelda Sanchez Zaballero, who won one of two seats as PB member, said Garcia can’t afford to be complacent.

“Gwen is still facing criminal charges over the Balili lot purchase. Even if she won, she’s still accountable for it. The law will take its course. She should be where she ought to be,” Zaballero said as she thanked supporters for giving her a chance to serve.

Garcia was suspended for six months by the Office of the President last Dec. 19, 2012 for grave abuse of authority based on a complaint filed by Gigi’s father , the late vice governor Greg Sanchez Jr.

“I feel my father continues to guide me. I just want to thank all those who supported me,” Zaballero said./Reporter Ador Vincent S. Mayol