CEBU, Philippines - Dumanjug Mayor Cesar Baricuatro denied having been compelled by his political patron, senator and presidential candidate Manuel Villar, to withdraw from the congressional race in the second district of Cebu to give way to the Garcias as a concession to get the family’s support in the vote-rich province.
Baricuatro, president of the Municipal Mayor’s League of Cebu, earlier declared his intention to challenge incumbent congressman Pablo Garcia in the second district but suddenly called off his bid during the last day of filing of the Certificate of Candidacy.
Baricuatro did not only withdraw from the race but also had his son slide from being a candidate for mayor to vice mayor in Dumanjug allegedly to avoid conflict with another member of the Garcia family who is vying for the position.
Nelson Garcia, brother of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, is running for mayor in Dumanjug.
A source privy to what happened told The FREEMAN that Baricuatro’s decision was part of the concession made between Villar and the Garcias. According to the source, Villar asked Baricuatro to sacrifice his and his son’s ambitions so Villar can get the support of the Garcias in Cebu.
Baricuatro, however, denied it saying his slim chances of winning against an incumbent prompted him to withdraw. According to Baricuatro, he realized after having conducted surveys that he was no match for Pablo Garcia.
As for his son’s giving up the mayoralty race in Dumanjug, Baricuatro said it was a decision made by their political leaders because his son’s running mate, Edgar “Gongon” Gica, is more popular.
Gica in a separate interview over dyLA admitted that Baricuatro’s withdrawal from the congressional race was because of the order from Villar. Gica said he also believes that a concession was made and that he has prepared himself for the possibility of being abandoned by Baricuatro during the campaign.
But if such a deal was made between the Garcias and Villar, Baricuatro said he was not privy to any negotiation.
“In politics everything is possible,” Baricuatro said.
The Garcias are members of the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD whose standard bearer is former defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro. — Fred P. Languido/BRP (THE FREEMAN)