Junie Martinez won't run for guv in 2013

CEBU, Philippines - Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. will not run for governor and will seek reelection as mayor of Bogo in next year’s elections.

Martinez said yesterday his time as governor is “gone” and he would rather concentrate on Bogo City where he has “tangible and concrete” projects expected to be implemented in the next four years.

Even if he will run and win as governor, his planned project would still not be completed in one term. He reportedly wants to put up a highway that would connect Cebu City to the northern and southern parts of the province and to make the third district as the “food basket” in Cebu.

“If I am elected now, how can I finish that?” Martinez said.

Martinez also said that his son, former Mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III, is yet to decide on the position he would want to run for in 2013.

At present, his son is reportedly busy putting up a business.

“He is still young, we can never tell, I cannot say he is not running,” Martinez said.

The younger Martinez lost to Rep. Benhur Salimbangon as congressman for the fourth district in the 2010 elections. Meanwhile, Salimbangon’s sister, Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung, lost to the older Martinez as mayor of Bogo.

The Martinezes supported the Liberal Party of President Benigno Aquino III in the 2010 elections. Because of this, Martinez said he will reportedly support whoever the party will endorse for governor next year.

“I have not been very active but I consider myself with the LP,” Martinez said.

Recent reports point to former Cebu City Councilor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale as LP bets for governor and vice governor in next year’s polls.

Martinez said the tandem is “acceptable” to him.

He also said that he will support Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia if she decides to run for senator in 2013, this, despite Garcia not a member of Liberal Party. In 2010, Garcia supported administration candidate Gilberto Teodoro for president.

“Anybody from Cebu I will support, kay unsa may iyahang tagaan og projects ang Cebu gyud,” Martinez said, adding, “I think it would be a mortal sin if I don’t support.”

Martinez lost to Garcia for governor in the 2004 elections.  (FREEMAN)