On his son's chances vs. Gwen: Davide Jr.: I believe in miracles

CEBU, Philippines – Former Supreme Court chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. yesterday admitted that it is an uphill climb for his son, Hilario “Junjun” Davide III to run against reelectionist Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia. 

But he also said he believes in miracles.

“It is an uphill climb but the hills can be climbed. Miracles can happen. We all hope and pray that there will be a total enlightenment among the voters in order for us to reach the unreachable,” the former chief justice said after resigning as the ambassador of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations to campaign for his son.

During a press conference at the Cebu City Sports Club, Davide Jr. also announced that he will campaign to ensure the victory of senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino and Mar Roxas.

“The man (Aquino) is taintless and has no taint of any corruption,” the former chief justice said.

Davide Jr. likewise recalled that it was Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro who initiated his impeachment in 2002 when he was still chief justice.

“The Cebuanos strongly denounced the impeachment. They rally not because of me but because the judiciary is under attack which is an institution of democracy. They tried to destroy that institution through impeachment without basis. If he (Teodoro) was able to do that, can he be trusted again?” Davide Jr. said.

It was Davide Jr., who presided over the impeachment of former Joseph Estrada and conducted the oath taking of President Gloria Arroyo.

Davide III said he is glad his parents came to Cebu to support in his bid for governor, something they did not do when he ran for Cebu City councilor.

“People still respected him and admired him. His physical support is certainly a big boost to my candidacy especially that I am not known in the province. Hopefully, molampos ang among tinguha,” Davide III said.

Davide Jr. will have a radio program starting today over dyDD Bantay-Radyo from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., where he will tackle issues regarding the province.

But he said that their campaign will be a “level-headed campaign” and will just focus on the positive aspect or issues.

According to Davide Jr., the issues should be responded directly by a new set of leaders.

“Nothing is politically correct if everything is morally wrong”, he added.

Garcia welcomed the entry of former Davide Jr. saying she still respects him despite his being on the opposite side.

“I have only the highest respect and even affection for the chief justice and that will never change and I also fully understand that as a father to Junjun Davide his support for the candidacy is expected,” she said.

Garcia said despite the entry of the older Davide, their campaign strategy is still the same.

Garcia said she submits herself to the people of Cebu based on her accomplishments during her six years as governor of Cebu Province. — With Jose P. Sollano and interns Abigail T. Libo-on and Mylen P. Manto/BRP (THE FREEMAN)