Magpale debunks rumors she is running for governor

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale yesterday maintained she is not running for governor, contrary to information circulating that she will run against incumbent Governor Hilario Davide III, an ally in the Liberal Party.

“Basta di ko modagan og governor,” Magpale said told reporters.

Magpale’s statement came after rumors spread that there is a brewing mass resignation of LP members and that her local party, Bakud, will field her as governor in 2016.

The past days, Magpale was also seen meeting with local mayors while Davide was in Russia to visit two sister cities there.

But the vice governor said the meetings solidified the ties of local leaders despite it being difficult to deal with internal issues. The meetings reportedly had Davide’s blessing and she only presided over these.

She also explained that her presiding in yesterday’s consultative meeting in Balamban was also not planned as Davide was supposed to do it, but he was yet to arrive in the Philippines at 5 p.m.

She said she will channel to Davide whatever came up in the meetings.

Magpale said the administration has already forged ties with leaders in the fifth and seventh districts and arrangements with leaders in the third district are being finalized.

She said she will leave it up to Davide to settle the issues in the first district, which is dominated by another local party, Alayon.

It can be recalled that Alayon forged ties with LP, which unnerved local LP members because the same may overthrow them in the coming elections.

Robredo

Following developments in Manila, Magpale said Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo is the “perfect” running mate of LP presidential bet Mar Roxas.

“I think she’s the perfect choice, very refreshing, dili pulitiko ang dating, simple, babaye, lawyer,” she said.

She said she believes that Robredo is capable of being vice president and Robredo’s “untarnished name” will likely propel Roxas to Malacañang next year.

Robredo is a neophyte public figure whose election to office came less than a year after her husband’s death in August 2012.

The late Department of the Interior and Local Government secretary Jesse Robredo was killed when his plane crashed off the seawaters Masbate.  (FREEMAN)