One Cebu party member and House Deputy Speaker Pablo John Garcia has rejected his party's endorsement of Bongbong Marcos's presidential bid.
As a result, Rep. Garcia, who is a supporter of presidential candidate Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno, announced his resignation as One Cebu secretary-general Tuesday, April 12.
"I have been officially informed that my party, One Cebu, has endorsed a candidate for president; a choice which, unfortunately, I cannot support," the solon said even as media began to break stories that One Cebu was going to carry UniTeam member Marcos's Palace bid.
"From the start, I have been clear and consistent about my support for Mayor Isko Moreno's candidacy for President, believing that he is, among the many choices, the most capable and best prepared to lead the country out of this many-pronged crisis that it now faces, and into the future," Rep. Garcia said.
Rep. Garcia, who represents the province's 3rd district, is the brother of One Cebu chairperson, Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia.
"As I intend to continue actively campaigning for Mayor Isko in the remaining days of the campaign, I am stepping down as Secretary General of One Cebu in order to avoid any conflict of interest. I understand that Congresswoman Lolypop Ouano-Dizon has been designated to take my place in the interim," he said, referring to the 6th district solon.
"I assure my party-mates that I shall continue to work hard for the victory of all local candidates of One Cebu," vowed Rep. Garcia. It is usually the secretary-general's job to find ways to expand party membership.
One Cebu's backing of Marcos is a big deal since it is the dominant and influential political party in the country’s most vote-rich province. Cebu has an estimated 3.3 million voters.
At any rate, Rep. Garcia said he respects his party's decision, "just as I hope that the party I helped found, and have only the deepest affection for, would respect my choice and direction".