Ex-DOT chief Durano to run for Cebu governor

MANILA, Philippines — Former tourism secretary Joseph Durano will run for governor of Cebu with Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III as his runningmate.

Durano and Davide confirmed their tandem in next year’s elections in separate statements released yesterday.

Durano cited the current situation in the province amid the COVID-19 pandemic in his decision to run for governor.

“If we remain to address it the way we are currently doing so, this pandemic would affect us for a prolonged time,” he said.

Durano has been meeting with sectoral leaders in the province in the past few months.

Davide said Durano has the skills and deserves to be the leader of Cebuanos, citing his track record as representative of the fifth district and tourism secretary.

Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who is seeking reelection, said Durano is a “worthy opponent.”

Garcia has yet to announce who will be her runningmate.

Larrazabal to run vs Goma

Meanwhile, former Commission on Elections commissioner Gregorio Larrazabal will run against Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez for the congressional seat of the fourth district of Leyte.

Larrazabal bared his plan to run for the congressional post during his 50th birthday on Tuesday.

Gomez had earlier announced that he is swapping posts with his wife Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez, contrary to earlier reports that she is running for senator.

Aside from Ormoc, the fourth district of Leyte is composed of the towns of Kananga, Albuera, Merida, Isabel, Palompon and Matag-ob. – The Freeman, Miriam Desacada