More senators to come for Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines - More national figures and personalities are expected to watch the Sinulog grand parade tomorrow through or upon the invitation of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Garcia was informed yesterday that Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. and his wife, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado, will arrive today.

Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. have already confirmed their presence tomorrow upon the invitation of Garcia.

Garcia believed the eagerness of the senators to come to Cebu is because of the support they got in the last elections from the Cebuanos.

The governor also said they may have appreciated the unity of the Cebuanos and how One Cebu Party delivered in the last elections.

Garcia also stressed that her close relationship with these senators has nothing to do with the 2013 election if these national officials are trying to convince her to run for national position.

“Ako gyud kombinsido na gyud ko nga sa 2013, nga mahuman ang akong termino,” she told reporters yesterday as she laughed.

The Revilla couple was also the guests of the governor during her birthday celebration in October last year.

Estrada is set to come to Cebu to deliver the second half of the P10 million he earlier promised to the Capitol. Estrada gave the first P5 million to Garcia before the May 10 elections.

Instead, Garcia invited Estrada to come on Sunday to watch the Sinulog grand parade.

Other confirmed guest of the governor is Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali, Jr. who is the president of the 80-member League of Provinces of the Philippines.

Garcia is dancing with the Bonga Festival of the Municipality of Sibonga during the opening of the grand parade at the Cebu City Sport Center grand stage.

She may not dance in the entire parade route, but the governor said there may be portions where she will dance and mingle with the people like what she did last year. (FREEMAN)