CEBU CITY — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia finds Ace Durano a "most worthy opponent" should the former tourism secretary decides to run for governor in the 2022 elections.
While saying that Durano's supposed openness to run for governor remains speculative, Garcia welcomed a possible showdown with the scion of the Durano clan in Danao City, northern Cebu.
“If former Secretary Ace Durano would decide to run for governor then I will be most honored to face him because he is a most worthy opponent,” Garcia told reporters at sidelines of the province's services caravan in Boljoon town, southern Cebu Thursday.
Being the incumbent governor may give her some advantage in the upcoming elections but Garcia said she is not one to take an opponent lightly.
"Ever since I first ran in 2004, whoever I face, I always consider him or her a most worthy opponent because it is not easy to run. It entails a lot of hardwork," Garcia said.
Garcia said running for governor is a "great sacrifice" considering the rigors of campaigning in the province's 44 towns and six component cities.
The Durano-led Barug Alang sa Kauswagan Ug Demokrasya (BAKUD) Party recently announced that different groups are backing Ace's possible shot at governorship.
Ace's brother, former Cebu Fifth District Red Durano, said the swelling calls urging his youngger brother to run may force the ex-Department of Tourism top honcho to come out from private life to challenge Garcia.
Red said Ace's chances of running for governor heavily relies on the decision of the person he is eyeing to become his runningmate.
Garcia too remained mum as to who will be her runningmate.
When asked about her chances when matched up against Durano, Garcia said she will leave it to the voters.
"I will leave it to the people. I don't want to be presumptuous or falsely humble. It's up to the people, it is them who decides," said Garcia.