THE multisectoral group urging Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to run for senator in the May 2022 elections will launch next week its campaign to gather one million signatures despite the governor’s repeated rejection of their call.
Radio blocktimer Edward Ligas announced this in a press conference Wednesday, May 26, 2021, a day after Garcia reiterated that she will seek reelection next year.
“I am not running for senator. Repeat, I am not running for senator. In other words, I am running for governor again. Repeat, I am running for governor again,” Garcia said on Tuesday, May 25.
“I thought I had made myself clear that I am not interested in any national position. Please don’t waste your money because nothing will come of your campaign,” she added.
Garcia noted that a lot of Cebuanos still need help in surmounting the economic difficulties caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
In their press conference Wednesday, Ligas said the Hiniusang Sugboanon aims to gather one million signatures to support its petition calling on Garcia to run for senator.
He said they remained hopeful that the governor will change her mind before the filing of certificates of candidacy on Oct. 1 to 8, 2021.
If they succeed in convincing Garcia to run, Ligas said they will push for either Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia or Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia-Frasco as gubernatorial candidate.
Pablo John is the governor’s younger brother while Garcia-Frasco is her daughter.
Ligas said he believed that Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III is no longer interested in running for governor.
Ligas said they were encouraged by the positive reaction to the installation across the province of tarpaulin posters calling on Garcia to aim for the Senate next year.
He stressed that they were not trying to pull Garcia’s leg, saying she is too smart to fall for tricks.
He added that they were not doing this for the money. Those who want to donate are encouraged to contribute tarpaulin posters only.
He said there is a need for a Cebuano in the Senate and only Garcia is qualified. (ANV, REV)