TO END talks that she is seeking a national post, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia reiterated yesterday that she is seeking reelection.

She even welcomed the possibility of running against Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

In a press conference after her China trip, the governor thanked Sanchez for the support he had extended to her in the past.

She said that she is aware of the statement of Sanchez that he is considering running for governor.

“That is a possibility, a very distinct possibility. I am aware of the statement of Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez…in his ongoing negotiations with one party, in fact, and that he may run for governor against me,” she said.

The governor said that “it is unfortunate that our partnership would have to come to an end and if that should happen, I wish to thank him for all the support that he had extended to me in the past,” she told reporters

“But you see, if that is really his ambition, I would be the last one to stand in his way and convince him or dissuade him from trying to fulfill his dream,” she added.

Gwendolyn’s brother, Rep. Pablo John Garcia (Cebu, 3rd district), who joined the governor’s press conference yesterday, also said that Sanchez was “just following a script” to make it appear that he was the victim.

“He wants to make it appear nga siya gidaug daug pero kinsa man ang gilupigan karon? Is it responsible to be talking to another party without consulting the president of the One Cebu party?” he said.

The governor also said that, as a policy of One Cebu, they have always moved for the unification of Cebu so “we shall consider the application of the Suezos for entry to the party.”

Earlier, Sanchez, the vice president of One Cebu, said he is against the entry of the Suezos because they earlier supported the Sugbuak bills or the proposals to divide Cebu into several provinces and because he is against their brand of politics.

However, the governor said it is against the policy of One Cebu to deal with Sanchez’s threats to leave the party if the Suezos would join them.

Judging from Sanchez’s own words, Pablo John said that “it’s obvious he’s after his political and personal interest.”

“Let’s just stop this drama. Let’s just drop this whole script and go on with our work,” he added.

He also clarified that they will not have a hard time looking for a replacement for Sanchez since “there’s no shortage of talent in One Cebu.”

“The problem is not in choosing the replacement, but choosing one among the many,” he said.

The governor also said that they have vacancies in the 4th and 6th districts for the positions for Provincial Board (PB) member.

Not allowed

PB Member Jose Ma. Gastardo is already on his last term and, although One Cebu already has candidates for the 6th district, she refused to name them saying she still has to clear it with them.

Meanwhile, the governor said that the report that she will be the running mate of administration standard bearer and Defense Sec. Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro came as a surprise to her but she reiterated that she will seek reelection instead.

“I was told when I was in China that one of the national dailies headlined a Gibo-Gwen tandem. But you see, I don’t make promises lightly. Though I really felt very, very flattered and honored to be considered as a vice presidential material, I already gave my word to the Cebuanos not once but twice,” she told reporters.

The governor, in her last two State of the Province Addresses, announced that she would finish her term.

She also said that her family will not allow her to seek higher office.

“I am running for reelection in the next May elections and I am submitting myself to the judgment and will of the people. If I had performed to their expectations and if they wish to have me still as their governor for the next three years,” she added.

Sought for comment that Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will support her if she runs for vice president, the governor said that it was a “double-edged statement.”

“I don’t have the taste nor time to even pay attention to an old sick man who has apparently lost more than just his bladder. And that’s the end of it. I know he will rant and rave after this statement but he will never get another statement from me,” she said.