CEBU CITY – A very familiar name coming from a very influential poltical clan may challenge Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in next year's elections.
Joseph Ace Durano is reportedly being urged by different sectors to run for governor and the former Department of Tourism Secretary is considering to answer the call.
This development was confirmed by Ace’s brother, former Cebu Fifth District Rep. Red Durano, the president of the Barug Alang sa Kauswagan ug Demokrasya Party (BAKUD)--the political party led by the Durano family.
“Several sectoral groups from all over the province have been asking Ace to run for Governor in the 2022 election. Especially with everything going around the province, particularly how the health crisis is being handled and how the health sector is not being prioritized, a lot of organizations have asked Ace to take lead. Ace is considering it, but a lot of things are still being weighed in,” Red said in a statement.
Garcia had announced that she is seeking reelection and should Ace go on to challenge her, it is going to be a major clash between two political kingpins in Cebu.
Garcia's son-in-law Duke Frasco defeated the then reelectionist Red for the fifth district congressional post in the 2019 elections.
A grudge rematch is shaping up as Red is reportedly running again next year against Frasco, who is the husband of Garcia's daughter, Liloan, Cebu Mayor Christina.
Red said it was not the first time that Ace’s name was floated as a candidate for governor but he opted to remain in the private life.
Ace has been listening to different groups in the past few months and is "strongly considering" vying for governor especially if paired with his preferred running mate.
“Ace only has one person in mind, who shares the same values and kind of leadership as him. There are still ongoing discussions, but if this person agrees to run with him, then it would be a much easier decision for Ace,” said Red.
Ace served as representative of the 5th district from 1998 to 2004. In his first term (1998-2001) he was one of the youngest to be elected representative to the 11th Congress and was the Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Trade and Industry.
In the 12th Congress (2001-2004), he was the Chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Security and Vice Chairman of the Committees on Public Works and Highway and on Dangerous Drugs.
In October 2004, he was appointed as DOT secretary by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Ace served as tourism chief until 2010 but returned to private life after his stint in DOT.