EDITORIAL – Davide's vulnerability

As far as Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is concerned, winning the May 2016 election is not his priority. He said he is more focused on things that would help Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas win in Cebu.

Believing that Roxas is the only presidential aspirant deserving to govern the land, the governor said his paramount concern is to ensure Roxas' huge victory in the province and that is why he would welcome any support from the grassroots for the administration party.

Of course, LP loyalists would be quick to conclude Davide's statement as just a normal declaration of support from a dedicated local party official willing to give it all for the sake of the party and its standard bearer.

For others, however, Davide's declaration would only mean two things: either he has already lost interest in seeking for reelection despite the backing of the administration or he is already feeling threatened by whoever the opposition party is fielding.

But it's hard to imagine Davide losing interest in another term. Being a first-termer, he is expected to vigorously go for his second run for the Capitol's highest post given the fact that LP has all the resources at his disposal.

Maybe the governor, in prioritizing Roxas' candidacy, is feeling the pressure from his party's national leadership to enlist more local officials to support the DILG secretary to duplicate President Benigno Aquino III's strong showing in Cebu in the 2010 elections.

It's also hard to imagine Davide feeling threatened by the opposition. Considering the fact that he has all the backing of the country's biggest political party, Cebuanos expect him to put up a good fight to retain the gubernatorial post.

By prioritizing Roxas' bid for the presidency and not his own run for a second term, Davide is only showing some vulnerability, something that his political opponents can capitalize on to score an upset.

In this country, it's not uncommon for many to engage in cutthroat competition in order to win during electoral exercises. Therefore, Davide should need to show some toughness if he wants to stay in power.