Winston yields to SMC to develop Toledo City

The San Miguel Corporation ( SMC) is the one proposing the development of an international container port in Toledo City.

One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia made the announcement in response to Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña’s Facebook post expressing his disgust over the former’s lack of plans for Toledo City.

“Imperial Cebu. Winston’s dream! Wala man diay labot ang Toledo,” read the mayor’s post.

The post was Osmeña’s reaction to The FREEMAN article published on February 14 where Garcia shared his vision for Cebu if elected governor in a gathering of various sectoral leaders in Liloan town.

Garcia said that when he had talked with Ramon Ang, vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of SMC, he realized that Ang was already proposing the project early last year.

“Initially, I had that international container port and airport but I have to shelve it in the meantime because I might be accused of credit grabbing,” said Garcia, who is also sitting as member of the SMC Board.

He said he will support the project because he had that already in mind.

“I have to give credit where credit is due,” Garcia explained.

Garcia said he can talk to Osmeña anytime.

“As a matter of fact I want to talk to him in whatever way I can help because I have a suggestion on how to make that airport possible in the first year of my term,” he said.

Osmeña appeared at the assembly of the United Nationalist Alliance and One Cebu Party at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino last Tuesday only to meet Vice President Jejomar Binay and Third District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia, Winston’s sister.

Osmeña is seeking reelection as an independent candidate but is supporting Binay and Gwendolyn.

During the occasion, Winston was not able to meet Osmeña while the former claimed no gap between them.

“We are neither friends nor enemies. We are on neutral ground,” Garcia said.

Osmeña earlier said he has not decided yet whom to support for governor between Winston and incumbent Governor Hilario Davide III.

“Just good enough for me as long as he will not support the other candidate. That’s already a favor,” Winston said.