Gwen picks Glenn

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is running with businessman Glenn Anthony Soco as her vice gubernatorial bet for the May 2010 elections.

Garcia and Soco filed their certificates of candidacy yesterday at the provincial office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Soco is a newcomer in politics, but is well-known in the business and sports communities.

Garcia and Soco along with the other candidates running under the One Cebu Party trooped to the provincial office of the Comelec at 10:20 a.m. yesterday.

Although she said that 10:20 a.m. was just a time that came into her mind when she was planning to file her candidacy, 1020 or October 20, is the birth date of her running mate, Soco.

Garcia urged Cebuanos to support Soco even as she vowed to continue her commitment to serve Cebuanos along with Soco as her vice governor.

Soco, an ally of the governor, is a visible supporter in her sports and economic programs.

He was accompanied by his parents former Mandaue City Councilor Guillermo Soco and Adelina Soco and supporters.

Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, Secretary General of One Cebu, said Soco was drafted because he is a “new name” and a fresh face.

Soco, as One Cebu’s choice for the second highest position in the Province, “will strengthen the capitol’s public service-private sector partnership in development efforts for Cebu,” Pablo John said.

“With Soco’s experience in business, he will contribute much to the governor’s policy on bringing the discipline, creativity and the efficiency of private enterprise in government,” he added.

A finalist in the 2005 Ernest and Young Awards for Entrepreneurship, Soco will focus on job creation and entrepreneurship in the province.

They also agreed to strengthen Capitol’s microfinance programs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the countryside.

As an athlete, Garcia said Soco is the president and founder of the Cebu Volleyball Association (CEVA) and with him around, he will continue to reinforce Capitol’s sports developments programs.

Soco is also the chairman of the Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball (GUV) Cup, which was first held in 2005 and is now on its fifth year.

Soco, 36, is seen to be a strong voice of the people in governance.

“Other parties pay lip service to the role of the youth in government. One Cebu takes it further by drafting a young leader with a clear track record of achievement and service,” Garcia said.

By drafting Soco, Pablo John said One Cebu is also “giving voice” to Mandaue as the biggest and most populous in Cebu province.

Soco also runs a manpower agency supplying non-permanent workers in the Capitol.

For his part, Soco expressed thanks to the Garcias — Governor Gwen, 2nd Disrict Rep. Pablo and 3rd District Rep. Pablo John.

Soco admitted that he is new to politics, but he believes he can assist the administration of Governor Garcia for the development of the province.

Rep. Pablo Garcia, meanwhile, said that it is the first time in the history of Cebu politics that all Cebuano congressmen united in supporting a candidate for the top two positions of the province.

Governor Garcia said that the support of all congressmen will prove that they are united, “One Cebu.”

Sixth District Congressional aspirant Gabriel “Luigi” Quisumbing accompanied by his parents, brothers and sisters also filed his COC.

The older Garcia and his son Pablo John respectively filed their COC for the congressional post in the 2nd and 3rd Districts.

Reelectionist provincial board member Juan Bolo filed earlier with the group of One Cebu. But he ran as independent candidate.

Garcia said One Cebu Party supports reelectionist provincial board member Julian Daan.

Governor Garcia admitted that it is the decision of the party not to support Bolo.

Bolo’s name has been tainted when he was tagged responsible for the controversial Balili lot deal.

Garcia said the party will support the candidate introduced by Alayon of Rep. Eduardo Gullas.

In the 2nd District, the two-reelectionist provincial board members filed their COC — Wilfredo Caminero and Peter John Calderon.

Seeking reelection as Board Member in the 3rd District is Ian Zambo, who is joined by Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay.

The bets for the 4th District are reelectionist Joven Mondigo Jr. and Daanbantayan Mayor Sun Shimura.

The One Cebu bets for the 5th District are reelectionist Agnes Magpale and neophyte Jude Thaddeus Durano-Sybico.

Former Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano will run for provincial board members of the 6th District along with reelectionist Wenceslao Gakit.-/NLQ    (FREEMAN NEWS)