GOV. Hilario Davide III plans to consult Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale on who she plans to replace her as the former’s running mate in next year’s elections.

Davide has learned that he will be up against his predecessor, Third District Rep. Gwen Garcia, who beat him in the 2010 gubernatorial elections by 96,341 votes to clinch her third term.

Davide told reporters that if he had his way, Magpale would still be his running mate next year.

But Magpale earlier announced that she would no longer run for reelection as she plans to retire from politics next year. “If dili gyud siya, dili sad ko mamugos (I will not force her if she won’t change her mind),” Davide told reporters yesterday.

With Magpale bent on leaving politics, he wants to seek her help in determining who will serve as his potential running mate.

He also plans to consult his allies. As for Garcia, she has been making the rounds in some parts of Cebu.

She also announced that she wanted Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, a close ally, to serve as her running mate, but he reportedly declined the offer. (JKV)