UNA, One Cebu Party formalize coalition

CEBU, Philippines - The United Nationalist Alliance and One Cebu Party are formalizing their coalition today in a grand assembly at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

 UNA stalwart, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia and third district Representative Gwendolyn Garcia will lead the event.

 Aside from One Cebu candidates, other UNA candidates are also expected to attend. Among them are Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II, Binay’s runningmate, and senatorial candidates Rey Langit, Sulu Princess Jacel Kiram, Parañaque City Councilor Alma Moreno Lacsamana, former Special Action Force commander General Getulio Napiñas, lawyer Allan Montaño, and boxing star Sarangani Rep. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao.  

 Winston recalled that Binay, even when he was mayor of Makati City, already contributed so much to Cebu’s progress and development during the time of his sister, Gwendolyn, as governor.

 In those days, Winston said, Binay helped facilitate priority projects in the province like the provision of free medi-cine and medical care for the sick in government district hospitals and granting special privileges for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Winston said he himself cannot just sit back and watch things deteriorate in Cebu.

 “It is my earnest desire to do what I feel is my duty as a Cebuano, even at the cost of  pleasure,” the former GSIS pre-sident and general manager said.

He also reiterated that the two parties – One Cebu and UNA – now find themselves a closely linked team, having reciprocated each other in the past with VP Binay fulfilling a task for Cebu’s development.

 Winston said that the coalition is a result of a series of consultations with Cebuanos from all walks of life and from all sectors of society.

The choice for president in those consultative meetings was an overwhelming “yes” for VP Binay, Winston stated.

“VP Binay and I agree to keep winning in perspective. We respect and appreciate our team members and our opponents as well. But to win, both of us believe as a matter of imperative to focus on a platform-based campaign,” Winstons aid.

“We believe we have the good of each other at heart, and we act accordingly. And because we both consider ourselves as allies, we will be helping one another. I have come back to my roots and intend to lead a positive growth for a New Cebu,” Winston added. (FREEMAN)