Davide denies planto seek Congress seat

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III denied that he is running for a congressional position, saying he will be seeking a re-election.

“Definitely no. Congressman Willie Caminero, an ally, will be the candidate,” he said.

Davide will file his certificate of candidacy (COC) on October 15, Monday.

Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia (Cebu, 3rd District) has already expressed her intention to run for governor in the May 2019 polls.

“I look forward to that contest namong duha. I always take my adversaries on equal footing. Di ta kaingon nga naa tay advantage, 50-50 man gyud na,” Davide said.

Meanwhile, Davide said that age is not a determining factor whether a leader can do his job well.  He said this after a youth group has pushed for a "young and energetic" political head.

Davide’s running mate, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, is already in her 70s. Despite this, he assured that Magpale’s working ethics are superb and she can still serve for more years.

"She is still good for 9 more years," he said.

In a press release, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson Monching Makiling of Barangay Pandacan in Pinamungajan town said Cebu needs a “young and energetic” leader. He and other youth leaders in the third district signed a manifesto asking Cebu Port Authority Commissioner Vincent “Duke” Frasco to run for vice governor.

Frasco said he will not run for vice governor but he appreciates the appeal of the youth of the 3rd district.

“It would be an honor to serve the Province of Cebu. My fellow Cebuanos, especially the youth, can rest assured I will help in my personal capacity when needed. However, there remains much to be done in Liloan and North of Cebu. I will continue consultations with our people to determine where I may serve best,” Frasco said in a statement. (FREEMAN)