Gwen to form political party for the May 2007 elections

Governor Gwen Garcia's camp will formally form her own political party soon after Cebu's hosting of the 12th Asean Summit sometime this January, in preparation for the mid-year elections.

Capitol consultant Pablo John Garcia disclosed this matter yesterday although he said that the governor wanted this party formed only after the summit to avoid political distraction that might mar the success of the international gathering.

"It would send a wrong signal to the Cebuanos when they are supposed to be united in ensuring the success of the summit," he said.

The younger brother of the governor however clarified that the political party has been there for the past couple of years already and that it would just be a matter of making it a formal entity now.

"It's just a formalization of an already existing group that has been united and organized through these two years by issues, which are of common interest," Pablo John said, adding that the official name of the party would be announced later.

Pablo John made clear that the main ground for Gwen's political party is the fight against Sugbuak, and that no one would be admitted as members if he or she is for the creation of more provinces out of the present Cebu.

"It is one of the cornerstones of our political party's philosophy: To keep the territorial integrity of Cebu province. That will be a litmus test for those who wish to join the party," he said.

He said an aspiring member of the party must be able to take a clear stand against the move to divide Cebu Province into three more provinces. "That's an indispensable condition," he said. The official name of their political party will be announced later.

Pablo John sounded certain that Gwen's new party has more supporters than in 2004 when Gwen ran for governor.

He would not give the exact count of incumbent officials on Gwen's side but he said that at least two-thirds of the mayors, councilors, and barangay captains from 47 towns and five component cities of Cebu are aligned with her administration. - Cristina C. Birondo