Magpale rejects offer to run with PJ
Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale has turned down the offer of One Cebu Party to be the running mate of Rep. Pablo John Garcia in the elections next year.
This after Magpale’s party, Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya ( Bakud) , shifted alliance to the Liberal Party (LP) from One Cebu.
Pablo John, now third district representative will run for governor next year as his sister, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, is already in her last term.
But the Garcias are still waiting for Magpale’s final word.
“We have been requesting for a meeting but it leaked to the press before we were informed,” Pablo John said.
Pablo John added that
during their alliance with Bakud, they have always treated each other with utmost respect and courtesy.
“We have come also to expect the courtesy of being informed formally about the change in alliance,” he said.
Bakud was with One Cebu headed by Gov. Garcia in the 2007 and 2010 elections.
Magpale explained that Bakud chairman, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, is set to meet with One Cebu leaders but media reports had overtaken them.
The Garcias told reporters yesterday that they are not yet considering another name to replace Magpale.
Gov. Garcia, Pablo John and Magpale vowed to maintain their personal relationship despite the break- up of their alliance.
“It’s a free country. Everyone is free to choose whatever option they may wish to take as regards their own political careers. On a personal level, I have never allowed my personal feelings to affect my responsibilities as governor and to affect my demeanor in extending courtesy to a fellow public official,” Gov. Garcia said.
Garcia and Magpale went together in Tabuelan town last Sunday to grace the Ani- Anihan Festival.
“Personally it should not change kay unsa man diay, mag- away diay ta,” Magpale said.
“I have always dealt with them in the most professional manner and I will continue to do so,” Pablo John said.
But Pablo John said that politically, there will be changes because of their different alliances now.
“As of now I am treating it as if we have been unfriended on Facebook with one click,” said Pablo John.
Gov. Garcia on the other hand said that this early, the lines are drawn and “in politics, there is no permanent alliance, only permanent interest.”