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Wednesday, October 15, 2003
Finally, Gwen says she'll run for guv
By Aledel G. Cuizon
CEBU -- Gwendolyn Garcia confirmed Tuesday night that she will run for governor of Cebu next year "if nominated by the Lakas party", paving the way for a three-cornered fight for control over the Capitol.
The announcement came as no surprise for Vice Gov. John Gregory "John-john" Osmeņa and Bogo Mayor Celestino "Tining" Martinez III.
Like the vice governor, Agriculture Undersecretary Celestino "Junie" Martinez Jr., Tining's father, has announced that he will seek the province's top post.
Gov. Pablo Garcia's daughter announced her candidacy during the 80th birthday celebration of former Mandaue City mayor Alfredo "Pedong" Ouano, who urged her to run.
"If by the grace of God I will be elected, I and the totality of my being, heart, body and soul shall serve as first lady governor of Cebu," Gwendolyn said. She delivered her 30-minute speech mostly in Cebuano during the birthday program.
Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo "Teddy" Ouano previously announced that political leaders in the vote-rich sixth district will support Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn declined to comment on questions about her supposed tandem with John-john Tuesday night.
John-john, sought for comment last night, said the development was "not unexpected".
"I'm disappointed. I was hoping my tandem with her would push through but obviously she wants to pursue her own ambition," he said.
With the support of the fifth district and Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas, he will "absolutely" run for governor and face Gwendolyn, he said.
"I'm prepared for this given the scenario. I am still confident in my ability.... I'm quite well known. The average voter will know who I am and what I'm running for. I hope to maintain my lead and popularity," the 34-year-old vice governor said.
With Gwendolyn's announcement, alliances among Provincial Board (PB) members will be tested. As vice governor, Osmeņa presides over PB sessions.
"Politically, we will have to see how things will shake out. Obviously it's a complicated relationship at the Provincial Board. The dynamics are complex," he said, adding, "I was hoping that it would not have to come to this. A lot will still have to be settled but I'm still relying on the support of several congressmen and mayors."
The vice governor met with his father Sen. John Osmeņa hours before Gwendolyn made her announcement.
"But little politics was discussed. What's important is to establish a personal relationship because we were estranged for some time," he said.
At the camp of the Martinezes, Tining said Gwendolyn "is not prepared to run at all."
"She's been in the province for two years and it takes a little more time than the time she spent here to know the needs of the people."
Gwendolyn believes otherwise.
"In my two and half years as Capitol consultant I have come to know the needs, concerns and issues that beset Cebuanos down to the barangay level," Gwendolyn said in her speech.
Teddy said he would nominate Gwendolyn, 48, when the local Lakas party will hold its convention to pick candidates for the 2004 elections.
Pedong, for his part, said he is glad Gwendolyn heeded his advice, which he first made public during the Province's Founding Day anniversary last August.
The governor only told his daughter that "it should not be the person who seeks the office but the office should seek the person." With Karen M. Flores
(October 15, 2003 issue)
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