Gwen, Loot reconcile

CEBU, Philippines - The meeting of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and DaanbantayanMayor Maria Luisa Loot after three years of rift has turned emotional as they hugged each other, teary-eyed, during the town’s Haladaya Festival yesterday.

Dame Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung was behind the meeting of her two friends after Loot agreed to her request to bring Garcia to the town.

Other guests were former senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu’s fourth district and Pablo John of Cebu’s third district, Provincial Board Members Sun Shimura and Joven Mondigo Jr., former Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boboy” Durano IV and Gen. Vicente Loot.

Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar delivered a message on behalf of his mother, Rep. Cynthia Villar, and left shortly before Garcia arrived at the Daanbantayan Sports Complex.

“Gimingaw pud mi ni Gov. Gwen,” Shimura said in his message. (We also missed Gov. Gwen.)

Salimbangon endorsed Gov. Garcia for senator and Pablo John for governor.

“Ako mobarug sa iyang kandidatura pagka-gobernador. Padayun jud, PJ Garcia,” Salimbangon said. (I am endorsing his candidacy as governor.) 

Salimbangon also announced that Durano will be the next vice governor of the Province of Cebu.

Although he did not categorically declared Durano as his runningmate, Pablo John said that together, they will be visiting again in the next few days.

The group of Danao City Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano is set to take their oath as members of One Cebu today in Danao City.

It was the first time Pablo John visited Daanbantayan and graced the Haladaya Festival.

Gov. Garcia thanked God for bringing her back in Daanbantayan after three years.

She turned over P500,000 to Loot and Vice Mayor Renato Te as financial assistance for the festival.

Garcia admired Loot’s effort to beautify the municipality.

Loot brought Garcia to the new town hall and plaza before the governor returned to the city.

Loot, in an earlier interview, welcomed Garcia as a friend but not as a political ally as she is already committed to support Liberal Party’s bet, Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, for governor and vice governor, respectively.

“She has all the rights nga moari siya kay under pa man niya ang Daanbantayan sakop pa man sa province,” Loot said. (She has the right to visit the town as Daanbantayan is part of the province.)

Loot is set to take oath as a member of Villar’s Nacionalista Party and will only support Cynthia for senator. — /MBG - THE FREEMAN