Durano, Davide support different presidential candidates

CEBU, Philippines —  Running mates incumbent Vice Governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III and former tourism secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano filed yesterday their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for the two top posts in the province.

Durano, a former congressman who is joining the Cebu gubernatorial race for the first time, will be running against incumbent Governor Gwendolyn “Gwen”Garcia. Davide, on the other hand, is seeking reelection.

Although running in tandem, Durano and Davide might be supporting different presidential bets in next year’s polls.

David said he is supporting the presidential bid of incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo.

 “Yes, as a matter of fact, if you check my COC, Liberal Party (LP) man ko… so Yes VP Leni atong suportahan (pagka presidente),”he told reporters after yesterday’s COC filing. Robredo announced yesterday that she is running for the country’s highest post.

Davide has been with LP since he ran for governor in 2013. Davide won against current Third District Rep Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, brother of Gwen.

On the other hand, Durano’s political party, the Partido Pilipino sa Pagbabago (PPP), nominated Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio as its presidential candidate.

Durano is currently the regional president of PPP in Central Visayas.

Until now, the PPP is still waiting for Carpio’s decision whether or not to run for president even if the mayor already filed her COC seeking reelection as mayor in Davao City.

Durano said if Carpio will really not run for the highest post, his party will convene again and will decide who to endorse.

 As of now Durano said “everything is still fluid.”

Despite differences in presidential bets, Davide clarified that their choices will not be an issue or complication between him and Durano, saying they already talked about it.

Before filing their COCs, the two candidates and their families attended a mass at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Parish Church. — KQD (FREEMAN)