Gwen backs Belmonte bid for reelection

CEBU, Philippines - “Above everything else, it is relationship that should count most.”

This was the statement of Cebu third district representative-elect and Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in choosing to support the re-election bid of House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. against Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“Our family will always be grateful for the friendship and support of Speaker Belmonte,” Garcia said. The governor said she never thought twice about supporting the reelection bid of Speaker Belmonte.

“Speaker Belmonte has my vote,” Garcia said.

Belmonte, who belongs to the Liberal Party, is seeking the speakership while Romualdez is the president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.

Garcia ran as third representative last May under the UNA coalition of Vice President Jejomar Binay and former president Joseph Estrada.

Of the 292 members in the incoming 16th Congress, there are only eight UNA members; Garcia, UNA spokesman and Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, Makati representatives Abigail Binay and Monique Lagdameo, Laguna Rep. Sol Aragones, Iloilo Rep. Jun Biron and Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting.

Last week, Garcia took her oath of office before Speaker Belmonte.

Garcia said she is excited to work as a congresswoman on July 1. The governor already visited her office, which is still occupied by outgoing congressman Pablo John Garcia.

“I want to be a working congresswoman,” Garcia said.

Garcia has gone back to work as governor after her 180-day suspension by the Department of Interior and Local Government. She immediately reinstated Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office chief Marivic Garces, who was relieved and transferred to the Integrated Provincial Health Office under Dr. Cristina Giango by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.   (FREEMAN)