REP. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district) confirmed that Sen. Loren Legarda is courting his and his party’s support.

Pablo John made it clear, though, that the Garcias’ and One Cebu’s commitment is to President Arroyo.

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Pablo John was seen leaving the Waterfront Hotel with Legarda, his brother and Government Service and Insurance System general manager Winston Garcia, Liloan Mayor Vicente Franco Frasco and Frasco’s wife lawyer Cristina Codilla-Frasco last Saturday.

When asked about it, Pablo John said Legarda invited him and Winston to lunch.

“Of course, it was to seek our support for her candidacy as vice president,” Pablo John said in a text message to Sun.Star Cebu.

“She was open about wanting to get One Cebu’s support because she realizes the strength of the party.” Pablo John is the party’s secretary general.

Legarda, in an earlier interview, said she was open about her intention to woo the party of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, One Cebu. But just as the senator was in Cebu City for a press conference, Governor Garcia was with President Arroyo for the opening of the new roll on-roll off (Roro) port in Samboan town, a link to Dapitan City in
Mindanao.

All quarters

Legarda also said she wants to solicit the support of the local opposition in Cebu City.

“I think it’s just natural for all candidates to seek the support from all quarters. But giving support is quite another matter,” Pablo John said.

Pablo John said Legarda asked about the political landscape in Cebu so she will have an idea how to wage a campaign here.

“There was nothing reached in terms of an agreement or commitment,” said Pablo John about his meeting with Legarda.

“Although One Cebu has not formally endorsed any national candidate, we made it clear that One Cebu’s commitment is to GMA (President Arroyo). And any decision we make will have to take into consideration our commitment to GMA,” said Pablo John.

Arroyo and her party, Lakas-CMD-Kampi, have endorsed former defense secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro and game show host Edu Manzano for the top two positions in the country.