A PROVINCIAL Board (PB) member announced he is available for the position of vice governor in next year’s polls while a congressman denies intention to seek for the number two position in the Province.

PB Member Jose Ma. Gastardo came short of announcing his candidacy for vice governor, but said he is available for anyone who would want to tap him as running mate.

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He admitted though that he prefers to be Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s running mate. He considers Garcia as having the best chance of winning in the 2010 gubernatorial race.

But the governor’s brother, Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu Province, 3rd district), denied he intends to run in tandem with his sister because like Gwendolyn, he is running for reelection.

“They’re floating that rumor in the hope that it will sow enough confusion to give them an opening in the third district. But, modesty aside, the third district is a pretty tight ship. Sorry na lang,” Pablo John said in a press statement.

For Gastardo’s part, he said, “I’m not really aspiring to be the vice governor but if the governor picks me, I would be most honored.”

This statement comes in the heels of Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez’s announcement that he is leaving One Cebu. He is the party’s vice chairman.

Gastardo, who used to be a member of the opposition, though, believes that Gwendolyn is not yet open to talking about politics at the moment. Gastardo, though, is not yet a member of the local administration party.

Gastardo, who is on his last term, said he is more accustomed to the PB post rather than being a chief executive. This is why running for mayor is not an option for him.

Merits

When asked about resigned Cebu City councilor Hilario Davide III’s merits as a gubernatorial candidate under the Liberal Party, Gastardo said, “He is very qualified and comes from a good family. But the strength of the governor is her performance. She knows the ins and outs of the Province.”

On Sanchez, Gastardo believes the vice governor is also qualified and has served the Province for many years, but that the party is on the side of Gwendolyn.

Gastardo sees a good contest between Gwendolyn and Tourism Sec. Joseph “Ace” Durano but still gives the edge to the sitting governor.

Rift

Asked what he will do if the rift between Gwendolyn and Sanchez will force him to make a choice, Gastardo said “I’ll cross the bridge when I get there.”

For his part, Pablo John’s denial came after a news report quoted an anonymous source about his other political plans.

“I’m running for reelection. Period.” he said.

The rumor, he said, was meant to sow confusion among the leaders of the third district, which he described as a tightly-knit group.

Pablo John said that Aloguinsan, Asturias, Balamban, Barili, Toledo City and Tuburan officials have all committed to support his reelection bid as well as that of his sister Gwendolyn.