Minor setback: Davide on loss of Sonny’s support

Thursday, February 2, 2012

LAWYER Hilario Davide III described yesterday as a minor setback former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña’s decision not to support his gubernatorial bid in 2013.

He said the possibility of an alliance with other local parties, like that of Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, remains because “politics is addition.”

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Magpale, however, declined to reveal her plans until the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya (Bakud) announces its decision.

Bakud remains allied with Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s One Cebu party and was represented in a meeting and show of unity last week by Magpale’s nephew, Rep. Red Durano.

“Duna nay decision ang Bakud (Bakud has reached a decision). In due time, the party will make an announcement,” Magpale said.

The elections are still 15 months away, but Davide said his campaign already began yesterday. Liberal Party (LP) president Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who is also Department of Transportation and Communication secretary, told him he is still the administration party’s candidate for Cebu governor in 2013, he said.

“There will be a massive recruitment of LP members in the municipalities and cities in the Province of Cebu,” said the former Cebu City councilor, who lost to Governor Garcia in May 2010.

Davide said the local LP’s list of allies already includes Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, Tuburan Mayor Aljon Diamante, Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr., San Fernando Mayor Antonio Canoy, former Danao City mayor Jesus Durano, former Cebu third district congressman Antonio Yapha and Pinamungajan Mayor Geraldine Yapha.

When asked if he is willing to slide down as Magpale’s vice gubernatorial candidate, if LP and Bakud coalesce, Davide said: “At the moment, I am LP’s contender for governor. But for me, what’s in my mind is what is best for Cebu.”

Vice Governor Magpale said she is honored to be considered by the LP for governor of Cebu, but that it will ultimately be Bakud’s call.

Osmeña earlier said that instead of Davide, he and his local LP allies would rather support Magpale, Fr. Franciso Silva, Mayor Martinez, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, former tourism secretary Ace Durano or Rep. Luigi Quisumbing.

“There are many factors to consider (both by the candidate and the ones who will choose),” said Magpale.

Davide, for his part, was asked what he thought of former senator Osmeña’s claim that he (Davide) failed to demand the dismissal of district engineers of the Department of Public works and Highways and city or municipal treasurers who have abused their positions.

“How can I act on it? We have no legal basis. Maybe during his time (as senator), what he wanted, he got. The present situation is different. President (Benigno) Aquino III wants government officials held accountable for what they did, but with due process,” Davide said.