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Manila Bulletin

Philippines

Political newbie is Gwen's running mate

Philippines

Political newbie is Gwen's running mate

By Calvin Cordova

CEBU CITY – A relatively unknown personality has been tapped to become the running mate of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.

On the last day of the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Friday, October 8, Dr. Maria Theresa Heyrosa was introduced as Garcia’s running mate and will face incumbent Vice Governor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III.

A practicing opthamologist, Heyrosa revealed that it was only last Thursday night that he was invited by One Cebu to join the party.

Dr. Maria Theresa Heyrosa (right) is introduced to the media by Cebu Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who is also the secretary general of One Cebu, as the local party's vice-gubernatorial tandem of incumbent Governor Gwen Garcia. (Juan Carlo de Vela/Manila Bulletin)

Heyrosa said the invitation to be Garcia’s running mate caught her by surprise.

“I am not a politician but I want to serve the public. I may be able to help guide the governor when it comes to the current pandemic because this is our number one problem now,” Heyrosa said in Cebuano.

Aside from her relatives, Heyrosa, a resident of Mandaue City but a native of Carcar City, was also accompanied by Cebu Third District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who is also the secretary general of One Cebu.

Pablo John explained the reasons why Heyrosa was picked to become her sister’s running mate.

“Number one, because it’s time for a fresh face in Cebu politics. Number two is— the number one challenge we’re facing in the province is the health crisis and she would be a valuable partner for Gov. Garcia,” he said.

Heyrosa said her only experience in politics was when she became a Sanggunian Kabataan chairman in the 1990s.

“As congressman PJ said what we need now is someone who will lead the crisis and balance between health and economy,” said Heyrosa.

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