One Cebu endorses Alyansa bets ahead of polls

Metro Manila, Philippines - Cebu’s dominant political party, One Cebu, has backed the administration Senate slate a week before the elections.

During a people’s rally on Monday, May 5, attended by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced the endorsement of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas (ABP), citing the candidates’ shared goals of national progress, inclusive development, and responsive governance.

"Their platforms are aligned with our aspirations for the Cebuanos and the Filipino people," Garcia said.

ABP groups Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Lito Lapid, Manny Pacquiao, Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, Erwin Tulfo, and Camille Villar.

One Cebu’s endorsement is crucial in the battleground province of Cebu, which has over 3.2 million voters.

Garcia said the regional party’s decision was based on consultations and an assessment of the candidates' track records and capacity to serve.

“Ang among tan-aw, among pagsabot, among pag-assess - mao ni sila ang labing angay nga mahimong mga senador nga makig-alayon para sa kaayohan sa atong nasod,” she said in Bisaya.

[Translation: Our view, our understanding, and our assessment is that they are the most qualified to become senators who will work together for the good of the nation.]

Call for unity

In his speech, Marcos revived his 2022 campaign theme of unity and connected this to Cebu’s booming economy and the success of the entire country.

“Alam niyo po parang nakikita po ninyo na sa aking mga pinupuntahan ang isa sa probinsya na siguro mas madalas pa ako dito kaysa sa Ilocos Norte ay dito sa probinsya ng Cebu. At bakit? Eh dahil unang-una marami akong kaibigan dito.”

[Translation: You know, you might notice that one of the provinces I visit more often than Ilocos Norte is Cebu. And why? First and foremost, I have many friends here.]

Marcos highlighted the province’s unity as an inspiration that has allowed it to thrive under Garcia.

“Bakit maganda ang pananaw ng mga investors, ng mga negosyante, mga turista? Bakit ganyan? Dahil po kayong lahat ay nagkakaisa sa ilalim ni Governor Gwen,” he added.

[Translation: Why are investors, businesses, and tourists optimistic? It's because you are all united under Governor Gwen.]

Marcos said unity is key to the nation’s progress.

The Office of the Ombudsman recently imposed a six-month preventive suspension without pay on Garcia for grave abuse of authority, including the issuance of a special permit to a construction company without proper legal grounds.

The governor refused to heed the order and said the preventive suspension was unfounded.

Malacañang said the president would not interfere with the Ombudsman decision.

Marcos said Garcia should be treated fairly in light of the accusations against her.