After transfer of registration: PJ Garcia to run in 2016 elections?

CEBU, Philippines - Former congressman Pablo John Garcia’s transfer of registration yesterday to Dumanjug from Barili, southern Cebu, has fueled talks that he may run for public office come 2016 elections.

Lawyer Lionel Marco Castillano, Commission on Elections-Cebu provincial supervisor, confirmed that Garcia went to the Comelec office in Dumanjug around 10 a.m. yesterday.

In a phone interview, Garcia pointed out the need to help his brother, Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia, as the reason for his transfer.

He said he moved residence to Bitoon, Dumanjug last year after noticing that the administration party has gone after his brother, referring to the six-month suspension imposed upon Nelson by the Provincial Board for abuse of authority.

 “Wa na ko kauyon sa ilang gibuhat nga paggukod sa akong igsuon. Ila kanang gibuhat tungod tingali kaysi Nelson ra ang naa diri nga distrito,” Pablo John, also known as PJ, said.

Asked if he has plans to run for public office, PJ said this has not been discussed thoroughly yet.

 “The main reason I had transferred residence here was the threat and the suspension they imposed on my brother. I want to take an active role in the politics here,” he told reporters over the phone.

But in a press statement, he said that he “may run for mayor of Dumanjug, as board member of the newly created seventh district, or as congressman.”

Lawyer Winston Garcia, for his part, said that his brother’s move to transfer registration is part of One Cebu Party’s reorganization of leadership in preparation for next year’s elections.

PJ was accompanied by barangay captains from Barili and Dumanjug.

The law provides that in order for a person to become a qualified applicant for registration, he or she must be a resident in the place for at least six months.

Castillano said a period of at least one year residency is required for a person who wants to run for an elective office.  (FREEMAN)