Friday, March 30, 2007 Glo ‘won’t field’ bets v. Gwen
PRESIDENT Arroyo will not field any candidate against Cebu Gov. Gwen-dolyn Garcia, Team Unity spokesperson and Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said yesterday.
However, Durano said the President, as chairperson of Lakas-NUCD, did not include the other candidates of Garcia’s One Cebu party.
He also said that since it is part of a coalition, being an “equal partner,” they cannot stop Lakas from fielding a candidate.
But Garcia, being the head of One Cebu, can opt not to support senatorial candidates who will be supporting her opponents in the local race.
However, Durano said that after the Pulse Asia survey indicated that 30 percent of voters will support senatorial candidates endorsed by local candidates, they will rely on local leaders for support.
“That’s a big chunk of the voting population,” he told reporters in an interview during the Tourism Jobs Fair 2007 at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City.
He also defended Team Unity’s Chavit Singson, who took part in resolving the hostage-taking crisis in Manila last Wednesday.
“Since it’s election season, tanan mabutangan gyud ug political color. But in fairness to Governor Chavit, he was campaigning in Isabela when it happened,” he added.
He also admitted that it could hurt the Philippines’ tourism efforts but he believes the “peaceful” resolution of the crisis and safety of the children was more important.
“(It showed that) we are a country with criminality just like any other country. (But) the rule of law prevails in this country,” he added.
He also lauded the police and the media for handling the situation well. (CYR)
