Race to the capitol: Gwen-Benhur tandem in 2019?

CEBU, Philippines — Deputy Speaker Gwendolyn Garcia wants Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon to be her running mate should she decide to run for governor again in next year’s midterm elections.

Salimbangon, however, declined.

“No, I am not running for vice governor," he said at the sidelights of his 73rd birthday celebration Sunday night where Garcia made public her intent to run with him.

Garcia said that should she run again, she would want to run with someone she can trust and rely on, and someone who will work hard. She reportedly sees these qualities in Salimbangon.

“Kun mobalik man ako pag-alagad sa tibuok Probinsiya sa Sugbo, ako nagkinahanglan og masaligan. Si Benhur maoy akong mahimong kaabag unya sa tibuok Probinsiya sa Sugbo," Garcia said.

Garcia said she considers Salimbangon as a brother and thanked him for believing she can run for governor again.

"Daghang salamat sa paghatag niining makabungog nga pagsalig ning akong paningkamot nga mabalik ang Sugbo sa pagka numero uno," Garcia said.

Salimbangon said he can help Garcia more if he concentrates in the Fourth District.

"I will do my share. Tabangan gyud tika when you will decide to run for governor. I will see to it that the Fourth District will deliver for you as the next Cebu governor. Akoa gyud nang ipasalig nimo," he told Garcia.

"We pledge to you this is simply not just a birthday party but a commitment to the future of the Province of Cebu under your leadership as the next governor," he added.

In the same party, it was announced that Salimbangon’s wife, Janice, will run for Congress in his place as his term will end next year. (FREEMAN)