When two of Cebu’s most influential women collide

For the first time in the history of Cebu province, two women will slug it out for governor in the elections next year. It is also worth-mentioning that neither of them is the incumbent out to defend her position.

Vice Governor Agnes Magpale will face Third District Representative Gwendolyn Garcia in a highly-anticipated match between two women belonging to two of the most influential political clans in the province. A veteran in local politics, the 76-year-old Magpale belongs to the Durano clan of Danao City and the Fifth District. She was a member of the Provincial Board for a long time before becoming the vice governor.

Garcia, on the other hand, sat as a threetermer governor following her father’s reign at the Capitol. Now in her second congressional term, Garcia, 63, decided not to seek for reelection as she bids to reclaim the province’s highest post.

Now, as the stage is set for an epic political dance contest of the province’s two most influential female figures, there has been a clash of public opinion. Some say Garcia has the advantage owing to the fact that she was a former governor who already knows the ins and outs of the affairs of the Capitol. As to age, she is much younger than the sitting vice governor.

But others prefer to side with Magpale as the candidate to beat. Although many see her age as a disadvantage, many consider her seasoned local political career as her main upper hand against Garcia.

The next elections are still seven months away and the battlefield remains even for the two frontrunners. As they hit the campaign trail in the coming months and the Big Day approaches, we can expect the course of the race to change.