CEBU, Philippines - A member of One Cebu Party has expressed support for the gubernatorial bid of lawyer Hilario Davide III without necessarily joining the Liberal Party.
Provincial Board Member Wilfredo Cami-nero is the first PB member who openly declared support for Davide.
“It’s a fulfillment of a promise,” he said.
One Cebu Party, headed by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, will be fielding her brother, Rep. Pablo John Garcia, for governor in next year’s elections.
Pablo John refused to give his comment yet.
Caminero said that Davide, a close family friend and a fellow Argawanon, asked for his support when he first ran for governor in 2010.
Caminero declined and instead supported Gwendolyn.
“Akong giingnan siya during that time nga this time, with a heavy heart, I cannot join you because Gwen is still in her last term. I’ll join her from the start, I joined her to the end,” Caminero said.
Caminero is reportedly running for Congress against Rep. Pablo Garcia in the second district under LP.
But LP district chairman Cora Lou Kintanar said that it is not yet final. As of now, she is still the congressional bet of LP for the second district.
Caminero was seen at the birthday of Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III when the alliance between LP and Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demo-krasya (Bakud) Party was formally signed in the presence of President Benigno Aquino III.
Bakud has severed ties with One Cebu Party and endorsed the tandem of Davide and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.
While the new majority in the PB is shaping up, there is no movement yet.
But during yesterday’s session, Magpale addressed her colleagues in jest as “liberated” members.
“As we go on doing our duties and responsibilities, let us be reasonable in thoughts, gentle in words, sensitive in emotions and fair in actions,” said Magpale as she led the prayer in yesterday’s PB Session.
Magpale earlier claimed that at least eight out of 15 PB members are allies of LP and Bakud.
Four are members of the Durano clan – Jude Thadeo Durano Sybico (5th district), Peter John Calderon (2nd district), newly-appointed member Miguel Magpale (5th district), and Nito’s daughter Carmen Remedios Meca who heads the Philippine Councilors’ League – Cebu.
PB Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy of the sixth district is an LP member.
Caminero and PB Member Thadeo Ouano (6th district) were also present during the event in Danao City last Saturday.
Another Caminero in the board is Wilfredo’s son, Aladdin Willyamie, an ex-officio member being the provincial president of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation.
Gov. Garcia yesterday said that she is not giving negative meaning to the presence of some of her party members in the LP event.
“Ato lang nang tagaan sila’g lugway at this point kay daghan pa kaayo mahitabo oy,” Garcia said. (Let’s give them time as many things can still happen.) (FREEMAN)