Board Member Sanchez to run against Gwen

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez is Liberal Party’s bet for the congressional seat for the 3rd district of Cebu in next year’s election.

This means Sanchez will be running against current 3rd district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia, who will reportedly be seeking reelection.

LP provincial chairman, Governor Hilario Davide III, and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale declared Sanchez as the standard bearer during the party’s general assembly for the third district yesterday.

 “I submit to destiny’s call,” Sanchez said.

 Sanchez recalled how they have were “harassed” by the Garcia family since the time of his father, the late vice governor Gregorio Sanchez.

 Grecilda pursued the usurpation case filed by his father against Garcia, which resulted to the six months suspension of the latter in 2013.

 Grecilda also blamed the Garcias for the mess that led to the shutdown of Bantay Radyo stations, which they have been operating since the time of her father.

“I could have started this when my father was alive, I still remember him telling me pwede ba ka modagan for public office, karon nakaingon ko I would like to submit to destiny’s calling,” Sanchez said.

 One advantage, Sanchez claims over Garcia, is that she has not been charged for corruption.

On the other hand, Davide said the late vice governor’s passion to serve is evident in PB Sanchez. The late vice governor was Davide’s runningmate in the 2010 elections.

 “Panahon sa iya papa, victim sa pagpanglupig sa mga Garcia even now siya’y object sa harassment sa mga Garcia. She believes, siya pud kombinsido siya nga she is the right person to challenge Garcia sa third district,” Davide told reporters.

 Prior to the formal announcement yesterday, Tuburan Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante, the president of the League of Municipalities in the Philippines, already introduced Sanchez as the next congressman during his welcome remarks.  (FREEMAN)