One Cebu ‘still looking for most winnable bet’

Pablo John said his sister, Rep. Gwen Garcia, was governor for three terms, making her One Cebu’s strong contender against Davide and former governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña next year

FORMER Cebu third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia described the present administration of Gov. Hilario Davide III as “menos sulti, menos buhat (less talk and less accomplishment).”

Davide replied that it’s the people who should rate his accomplishments.

“Di man ta parehas sa uban nga isibya ang tanan (We are not like others who flaunt their accomplishments),” Davide said.

Pablo John said that his sister, Rep. Gwen Garcia (Cebu, third district), was governor for three terms, making her One Cebu Party’s strong contender for governor against Davide and former governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña next year.

“Kanang pagdagan ni Gov. Gwen as governor in 2016 remains an option that One Cebu Party is seriously considering,” said Pablo John. The party is still looking for the most winnable candidate.

City of Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong sees a very competitive election in Cebu next year if the three- way fight materializes.

“Makutaw gyud ang libog sa mga botante (The people will have a difficult time),” Chiong told reporters yesterday.

Three-way

Chiong said that while Davide has the advantage of having the support of majority of Cebu’s mayors, Garcia and Osmeña are “formidable foes.”

Chiong, along with four other mayors allied with the Alayon Party of Cebu’s first district, has expressed support for the reelection bid of Davide and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale.

Chiong supported Garcia until her term ended in 2013. The third-term mayor supported Pablo John when he ran for governor that same year.

Pablo John said Gwen has proven her vote-getting capability and popularity, especially in the countryside, in three elections.

Still, Gwen is keeping her options open, said Pablo John. One other option is to seek reelection as third district representative.

Running for senator was not discussed as one of Gwen’s options, said Pablo John. He said he wants his sister to consider running for governor next year.

“The people miss the times when they saw projects being inaugurated,” Pablo John told reporters.

Self-serving

Quoting Gwen, he said, ” Dili sulti and pabuhaton, buhat ang pasultihon (Let the accomplishment do the talking).”

Davide said it would be self-serving if he narrates all his accomplishments.

“Let others judge me,” he said.

When asked how many of his projects have been completed, Davide said he has no exact figure. He urged reporters to ask his constituents.

“Malipay lang ko dunay mo text nako, dunay mosuwat nako, pasalamat nga inyong gi- improve ang hospitals, naka pahimulos gyud mi sa mga benefits (It’s enough for me that people text me, thanking me for the benefits that they received),” said Davide.

Davide said he is exerting all efforts to fulfill all his campaign promises.

He said he is happy that there will be many bets for governor next year.

“I’m happy that the people are offered choices. This is a free country,” Davide said.

He said ultimately, it will be the people of Cebu who will judge them.

Davide is not worried that LP mayors may leave him for another political party.

“Wa ko mahadlok ana, these are honorable men. I am confident they will not renege on their promise to support me and this administration,” Davide said.