Wanted: Davide’s running mate

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is not giving up on Vice Governor Agnes Magpale to be his running mate again in the elections next year. He is hoping that she will reconsider her plans to retire and give the Capitol’s second highest position another shot.

According to Davide, Danao City Mayor Ramonito “Nito” Durano told him that he will try to convince Magpale to run again. Aside from being partymates under Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (BAKUD) of the Fifth District, Durano and Magpale are relatives.

It remains to be seen whether Durano can convince Magpale to seek re-election. The latter has been reported to being certain in her decision to retire from politics, saying she wants to rest considering her age.

Except for Magpale, Davide seems to have no other name in mind that can help him win in the May elections. The governor cannot perhaps think of another running mate as winnable and as veteran as the vice governor.

Yes, Magpale is still a force to reckon with. She has a bailiwick and is a member of a political clan that has had a solid following for decades. And based on her performance, she still has what it takes to win if she decides to run again in the coming elections.

However, given Magpale’s pronouncement, it would be better for Davide to start searching for another running mate. He should respect her decision and needs to begin scouting for people who would meet the criteria to be his vice governor.

Surely, there are many personalities who could meet Davide’s criteria to be his running mate. In fact, some of them are young people who are capable of being in the frontlines of implementing his programs and platforms.

Davide will be facing an uphill battle if Third District Representative Gwen Garcia, who defeated him in 2013, decides to run against him in the coming elections. Since he can no longer count on Magpale, Davide has no other option left than to start looking for a running mate who has the potential to help him stay in power.