CEBU CITY -- The powerful One Cebu Party has finally revealed the presidential bet it will support in the May 9 national elections, ending months of speculation here.
The influential One Cebu is endorsing the presidential bid of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
One Cebu president and Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia personally made the announcement on Tuesday, April 12.
“One Cebu Party has the honor of announcing its decision to endorse the presidential bid of former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.,” Garcia said in a statement.
“The decision follows weeks of extensive consultations and discussions with provincial, municipal and barangay leaders in the 44 municipalities and 7 cities (including Mandaue City) of the Province of Cebu,” Garcia added.
Garcia made the announcement shortly before One Cebu’s convention at a mall in Cebu City where Marcos and his ‘UniTeam’ slate was expected to attend for the formal endorsement.
One Cebu has previously endorsed the vice presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, who is Marcos’ running mate.
“We considered the differing opinions of party leaders advocating the causes of different presidential candidates, and have determined that the unity and strength of One Cebu, its ability to serve its constituents in the Province of Cebu, and ultimately, the interests of the Cebuanos are best served if we unite behind the leadership of BBM as President, and, as we have earlier announced, Mayor Sara Duterte as Vice President,” Garcia said.
In endorsing Marcos, One Cebu lost one of its key officials who is supporting Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.
Gwen’s brother, Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, stepped down as One Cebu’s secretary-general shortly after the party’s announcement to endorse Marcos.
“I have been officially informed that my party, One Cebu, has endorsed a candidate for President; a choice which, unfortunately, I cannot support,” Pablo John said.
Pablo John said he intends “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," he said.
“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,” he added.
Cebu 6th District Rep. Lolypop Ouano-Dizon has been designated to replace Pablo John.