Gwen for governor in 2019?
Political allies and friends were among the well-wishers of Deputy House Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia on the occasion of her 62nd birthday celebration at the Grand Convention Center Thursday night.
Those in attendance were Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, Toledo City Mayor Sonny Osmeña, Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, PB Member Sun Shimura, and officials from the third congressional district of Cebu.
The social gathering, however, was laced with politics when some of Gwen’s friends tossed up the idea of her seeking the governorship in 2019.
Salimbangon said the exemplary performance of Gwen in the House has gained her the respect of their colleagues that make her eligible to run for higher office. Salimbangon said Gwen can run either for senator or governor. She can also seek re-election.
“But Gwen, you are very much needed in the Province of Cebu. The Cebuanos are longing for you. I can hear them, I can feel them. They are asking where is governor Gwen,” Salimbangon said.
Gwen, who was governor of Cebu for three consecutive terms before her election to Congress, also said she only wants what is best for Cebu. But, she refused to answer whether when asked of her political plans.
She instead vowed to “make Cebu great” and protect from people who she described as “arrogant bully who believes he owns Cebu.”
Although she did not mention name, but she said she was referring to her and Dino’s common “best friend.”
“I think when he sees us, mura mosamot og kalisud ang iyang kahimtang," Gwen said.
She was obviously referring to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña who is at odds with her and Dino.
"We, together with our concerted efforts, we will make Cebu great," she added.