PJ Garcia open to running for Cebu governor

Local

FORMER Cebu 3rd District Congressman Pablo John “PJ” Garcia is open to running for governor in the next elections.

In an interview with political content creator and former Capitol Public Information Officer Jason Monteclar, Garcia said that, with his long term in public service, running for the highest position in the Cebu Provincial Government is a “viable option.”

“So at this stage, makaingon ko it is one of the options. I could run for governor,” Garcia said in the interview that was posted on social media on Friday, July 17.

Garcia, brother of former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, admitted that coming from a family of governors and politicians can be both a strength and a weakness, noting the issue of political dynasties.

“Puwede sad advantage nga Garcia ko, it’s also disadvantage kay tingale you have to work hard to convince people that you are worthy of my vote. I’m not just voting for you because you are a Garcia,” he said.

Garcia’s father, the late Pablo Garcia, was also Cebu’s governor from 1995 to 2004.

He also admitted that it’s not easy to run for the highest position in the province, as he experienced it himself.

Garcia ran for governor 2013 but was defeated by Liberal Party candidate Hilario “Junjun” Davide.

He then ran for congressman in the 3rd District in the following elections.

Running for governor is not easy, Garcia said, as it requires extensive consultations with local leaders across the seven districts of vote-rich Cebu Province.

Garcia said he is willing to run if he can unite various groups, including supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte, the DDS (Duterte Diehard Supporters), and those who are dissatisfied with the current provincial administration.

“These will have to be united, and so if I can be the force that can unite all these forces… then I might be willing to do that,” Garcia said.

He, however, stressed that if he becomes a hindrance to unite “forces”, he is willing to step aside and support a common candidate.(MyTVCebu)