CEBU - To show that they can set aside political differences and work for a common direction, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., and Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. join together for the first time during the turnover of equipment and school supplies to Bogo City.
The three local leaders have already met several times before in public but last Wednesday was the first time for them to sit together, talk and exchange laughter in front of the people.
That day, Martinez accepted equipment from the Capitol such as firetruck, police car, ambulance, sewing machine, welding machine and school supplies for the Bogo City Central School.
In his welcome speech, Martinez addressed Garcia as “atong pinalanggang gobernador” and described her as “kugihan ug matinud-anon kay naa karong buntaga” and called Sanchez as “kugihan pud kaayo nga kaabag sa buhat.” These statements drew applause from the people at the campus.
The mayor was all thanks and praises for Garcia for the assistance the province has extended to his city.
“Ako usa ka tawo nga mosulti gyud. I say it the way I want to say it,” Martinez said, adding that he will treasure and remember the assistance that the governor has given to Bogo city.
He ended his speech by telling the governor that “you are welcome anytime to visit Bogo.”
In 2001, Martinez was the running mate of Gov. Garcia’s father, former governor and now second district Rep. Pablo “Pabling” Garcia. Martinez however lost to John Gregory Osmeña.
Soon after, the older Garcia developed a friendship and cooperation with Osmeña which reportedly started the bickering between the Garcia and Martinez families.
In last year’s elections, Martinez wife, former congresswoman Clavel Asas-Martinez, ran for vice governor against Sanchez, who was Garcia’s running mate but lost. — Garry B. Lao/WAB (THE FREEMAN)