But not winston Garcia or Davide: Sonny backs Gwen

CEBU, Philippines – Former senator and incumbent Toledo City Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña has announced he will support the re-election bid of Cebu third district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia in the 2016 elections.

However, the support does not extend to Garcia’s brother, former Provincial Board member Winston Garcia, who is running for governor.  Osmeña is not also supporting the re-election bid of Governor Hilario Davide III.

Osmeña said his support to Rep. Garcia could create a problem in the Liberal Party.

“Kana’ng ako’ng pagsuporta kang Gwen makaha-tag og ka problema sa LP. I will be supporting Gwen. As far as governorship, di ko manghilabot, sa presidency, di ko manghilabot,” he told The FREEMAN.

Osmeña said he has been meeting Rep. Garcia and they share a common vision for the development of the district, particularly Toledo City.

“Nagtakdo amo’ng hunahuna kabahin sa pag-uswag sa Toledo, she has done good job, she has supported our programs and projects in Toledo City, so I’m going to support her,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña is appealing to his younger colleagues to allow him to retire from politics in 2019 when is already 85 years old.

“Ako sila giingnan huwata lang ko ninyo, kamo nalang mga batan-on magsabong. I have been very fair and friendly with them,” he said.

Following the announcement, rumors also spread that the Garcia-led One Cebu Party will not field a candidate for mayor in Toledo City.

Representative Garcia has refused to comment on the report but confirmed fielding consistent number one City Councilor Ricardo “Kuya Nick” Pepito as their candidate for vice mayor. He is on his last term.

“We can confirm that Nick Pepito will be One Cebu’s candidate for vice mayor,” said Garcia in a text message.

Pepito has reportedly been leading against incumbent Vice Mayor Antonio Yapha Jr. in a survey conducted by a certain group in Toledo.   While Pepito expressed his support to Osmeña the latter said he cannot support him because Yapha is still with him.

“Ako na siya gi-estoryahan,” Osmeña said.

Meanwhile, Osmeña said he will send a strong message to the LP leadership if they will field a candidate against him.

This after LP-appointed Councilor James Gaite has reportedly expressed interest to run for mayor.

Osmeña endorsed Gaite while Davide appointed him May last year to fill in the post vacated by the late councilor Ricardo Rafols Jr.

“If the Liberals cannot control Gaite and if he runs for mayor against me, that is telling me that they are willing to lose my attitude of my position nga hands off ko and that is pushing me towards Winston ug (Vice President Jejomar) Binay,” Osmeña declared.

“Their (LP) best position is for everybody nga ayaw lang ko nila pahilabti, di lang ko manghilabot, pulos man nako amigo,” he added.

Earlier, Osmeña’s younger brother, former Cebu governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña, said he is giving way to Winston for governor in the 2016 elections.  Lito declared in May that he is running for governor next year but he later appeared to be hesitant to pursue his plan because of his health. — /BRP (FREEMAN)