Davide’s decision

In an unexpected move, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III decided to slide down in favor of Vice Governor Agnes Magpale in the midterm elections next year. The former will instead run in what is expected as a sure quest for the Capitol’s second highest post.

Political pressure reportedly forced Davide to abandon his plan to seek for a third and final term. The governor said if he and Magpale won’t switch positions, some of their allies in the Liberal Party are at risk of being included on the government’s narco list. He, however, did not identify those allies.

Whether Davide’s allegation is confirmed or not depends on how the public delves into his statement. He is entitled to whatever he says to the public. As far as Cebuanos know, Davide has never been involved in any serious controversy as governor, which only gives some credibility to his pronouncement

However, many think there is a bigger reason for the governor’s decision to back off from seeking re-election than the narco-list issue. First is that Davide is part of the once powerful Liberal Party, which is now reduced to playing the role of opposition and seems to be running out of gas.

Running under the opposition requires an enormous amount of machinery. And many don’t think Davide can get all the resources he would need from his party. He cannot also be expected to exhaust his own resources in a reelection bid he is not sure of winning.

Another reason is that Davide may have succumbed to the idea that it’s Magpale, not him, who presents a better fight against Third District Representative Gwen Garcia. This aside from the reality that Magpale enjoys the support of the Duterte administration.

Finally, Davide’s decision to run for vice governor may have something to do with the fact that the race for the Capitol’s second highest post is a sure victory for him in the absence of a formidable force from the rival camp.