Will it be a repeat of Defensor-Garin team?

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — Iloilo province might still be seeing a Defensor-Garin tandem in the 2013 midterm elections. But such partnership will be possible if both Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. and Vice Gov. Richard Oscar Garin will still seek reelection.

“I will ask him if he will run for governor. And if I am still running for vice governor, so laban-laban nga maga-updanay kami,” Garin said following his declaration of a possible tandem before more than 7,000 barangay officials in Iloilo province.

But before he could firm up any political decision for the 2013, the vice governor said that a lot of things are to be studied and considered. “Usually, those who will be running will base their decision on the personality of those seeking office and the party affiliation,” Garin said.

Based on the current trend in politics, “whoever will be declared by UNA (United Nationalist Alliance coalition) and Liberal Party as their standard bearer will be the one to go head on in the coming 2013 midterm polls in Iloilo province,” he added.

Both Garin and Defensor are still members of the Lakas-Kampi-NUCD Party. “But you must understand the present situation of Lakas,” Garin said insinuating that the once influential Lakas-Kampi-NUCD is on the brink of dying, with party officials and local members jumping to the Liberal Party of President Benigno Aquino III and the UNA coalition of Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Amid this change of party affiliation, Garin revealed there were invitations to him from both parties but clarified he is yet to decide on the matter. “Personally, I’m consulting with local leaders in the province, particularly in the first congressional district,” he said.

Observers said though that if the Garins will jump to the LP, the tandem with Defensor will be uncertain. A few months ago, Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon, a known LP member, personally endorsed former Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. as his choice for the governorship of the province in next year’s election.

Tupas was a three-termer governor and ran as representative of the province’s fourth district in the 2010 polls but lost to reelectionist Rep. Ferjenil Biron.

There were rumors however that Garin might run as representative instead in the first congressional district, the post his wife, Rep. Janette Garin, occupies. But considering that Janette is now on her last term, she might seek other elective post with her husband bidding for the congressional post.

Garin’s mother, Ninfa, is presently the mayor of San Joaquin town and her sister, Christine, is also the mayor of Guimbal town. His father, Oscar Garin, also held various elective and appointed positions in the past.