Bongbong gets support from One Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday received another boost in his presidential bid with the endorsement from One Cebu.

One Cebu, headed by Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, is the dominant regional party of Cebu, which is the most vote-rich province in the country with over 3.2 million voters.

“The decision follows weeks of extensive consultations and discussions with provincial, municipal and barangay leaders in 44 municipalities and seven cities (including Mandaue City) of the Province of Cebu,” Garcia said.

The re-electionist governor added that they believe supporting the tandem of Marcos and running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio dubbed as the “BBM-Sara UniTeam” will be best for the interest of Cebuanos.

“We considered the differing opinions of party leaders advocating the causes of different presidential candidates, and have determined that the unity and strength of One Cebu, its ability to serve its constituents in the Province of Cebu and ultimately, the interests of Cebuanos are best served if we unite behind the leadership of BBM as president and, as we have earlier announced, (Davao City) Mayor Sara Duterte as vice president,” Garcia explained.

One Cebu supported the candidacy of Vice President Leni Robredo in the 2016 elections. Robredo won with 807,000 votes while Marcos only had over 307,000 votes or a margin of about 500,000.

The Garcia-led party, composed of majority of Cebu’s local chief executives, was credited for helping deliver over one million votes in the province for President Duterte in 2016.

During the event held at the convention hall of SM Seaside, Garcia and other One Cebu officials also signed a covenant with the UniTeam.

Before the announcement, members of the powerful Cebu clan publicly expressed individual support for different presidential candidates.

The development came as a surprise after Cebu 3rd district Rep. PJ Garcia, the party’s secretary-general, has been vocal against the candidacy of Marcos and said he would instead support the candidacy of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, who reportedly expected the party’s endorsement after also meeting with the governor earlier.