MANILA, Philippines – the Kabalikat ng Masang Pilipino wants Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to run for vice president alongside Camarines Sur Representative Luis Villafuerte in next year’s presidential elections.
Last Monday, no less than Villafuerte personally told Garcia of the party’s intentions when the governor visited the House of Congress to support the privilege speech of her brother, Cebu third district Representative Pablo John Garcia, on the alleged illegal sale of lots at the South Road Properties.
“Ikaw ang kandidato namin sa pagka vice president,” Villafuerte told Garcia shortly before the session started.
But Garcia simply answered, “I’m here to defend Cebu.”
Garcia stayed for two hours at the session during which legislators from both the administration and opposition were observed approaching her for a chat.
During her State of the Province Address last year, Garcia already announced she would not be running for any national position next year and has since declined invitations, including those of presidential hopefuls Manny Villar, Manuel Roxas, and Richard Gordon.
Many politicians believe Garcia would give them the advantage in Cebu, just like during the time of President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo when she led in the race with over a million votes here.
Gwen became an immediate predecessor to her own father, 2nd District Representative Pablo Garcia Sr., who bowed out of local politics in 2004 after serving as governor for three terms.
In 2007, the lady governor won her seat by over 461,000 votes, a record-setting margin in Cebu. — Garry B. Lao/JMO (THE FREEMAN)