Ace Durano to run for Congress?

CEBU, Philippines - Former Tourism secretary Joseph Ace Durano might run for Congress representing the fifth district in next year’s elections and with no one in sight to oppose him.

There aren’t clues up till now but if the guess is true, the former secretary will vie for the position as a replacement for his brother, Congressman Ramon “Red” Durano VI, who is now serving his last term as representative of the fifth district.

Ace was elected as representative of the fifth district in 2001 but cut short his term to accept the Department of Tourism Secretary post offered to him by former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Ace was replaced by his brother Ramon “Red” Durano VI through a special election in the district.

“Red” is being eyed as running mate of his father, Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, who will run for mayor against his brother, Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano, Jr.

However, sources from the camp of Vice Mayor Nito Durano said everything will be decided after the filing of the Certificates of Candidacy next month.

“Kon duna may mga kausaban tingali mahibaw-an ra gyud ni karong October 5,” the source said.

Provincial board member Jude Sybico will seek reelection; ditto newly-appointed member of the board Miguel Antonio Magpale, son of Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.

Both Sybico and Magpale, who were members of the political party Bakud, are with the Liberal Party now.

One Cebu Party of Governor Gwen Garcia has yet to decide whether it will field candidates for congressman and the provincial board representing the fifth district.

But One Cebu has announced its support to the reelection bid of Mayor Boy Durano and his brother now city administrator Jesus “Don” Durano. – Jose P. Sollano  (FREEMAN)