Magpale, Garcia lead 3-way fight for governor

CEBU, Philippines — It will be a three-way fight for governor of Cebu, as a total of 27 candidates vying for the different positions in the province beat the deadline in the last day of the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) yesterday.

Incumbent Vice Governor Agnes Magpale filed her candidacy for governor as well as Roliveth "Boyet" Cortes, who will be on his third attempt to get the top Capitol post.

Magpale said there is no tension between her and Garcia in their fight, unlike what happened in 2013 when she replaced Gwen and became acting governor after the latter was suspended.

She said she is open for reconciliation.

"I’m open, wala man ni personalan. But maybe in time, kay syempre the hurt from 2013 suspension maybe is still there," Magpale said.

Garcia, who is also running for governor, said just like any other opponent, she considers Magpale as a "worthy opponent" and that she will do her best to win.

Cortes, for his part, is running solo.

“I am solo kay gusto nato ipakita, kutob sa mahimo ,diri sa Cebu ang solo nga kandidato pag gobernador pwde diay nga molusot . Its a matter of doing it,” Cortes said.

For the vice-gubernatorial race, Governor Hilario Davide III believes he has more chances of winning since he is an incumbent official.

"I probably have the edge, I'd like to think I have the edge kay incumbent man ta lagi and duna man sad tay ikasulti sa atong kaigsoonan sa atong pangampanya sa atong mga nabuhat," Davide said.

Businesswoman Marie Daphne Salimbangon, the daughter of Cebu Fourth District Representative Benhur Salimbangon, also filed her candidacy as vice governor. She will be running with Garcia.

Salimbangon admitted also that she's "a little bit scared" since her opponent is the incumbent governor.

Running for House Representatives include Talisay City Mayor Eduardo Gullas,  Rodolfo Flormata and Paypa Solomon for the First District; incumbent Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan Cesante for the Second District; Toledo City Mayor John Henry  "Sonny" Osmeña and Geraldine Yapha for the Third District; former Bogo City Mayor Celestino "Junie" Martinez for the Fourth District, while former Liloan Mayor Duke Frasco is running for Fifth District; lawyer Baldomero Estenzo and Walter Dy are contesting for the Sixth District; and former Dumanjug Mayor Nelson Garcia for the Seventh District.

For Provincial Board Members, incumbent PB members Yolanda Daan and Raul Bacaltos are running for the First District; incumbent PB member Edsel Galleos and former Argao councilor Vip Semilla and Argao councilor Jonathan Villegas Sr.  for the Second district; Gigi Sanchez for the Third District; Miguel Angelo Pacheco  and Samuel Moralde in the Fourth district; Michael Villamor and Red Duterte for the Fifth District; former Mandaue City Councilor Editha Cabahug and Dr. Paulus Mariae Cañete for the Sixth District; and Erick Elmer Gica for the Seventh District.

The last day of filing was harmonious and without any fanfare.  The candidates were accompanied by other officials and supporters. — GAN (FREEMAN)