Battle Lines Drawn in Race for Cebu Governor

The battle lines have been drawn in the race for Cebu governor after local political party One Cebu announced the candidacy of lawyer Winston Garcia for the province’s top elective post.

Garcia, a former provincial board member and president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), will run against reelectionist Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

Davide’s running mate is Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, who is also running for reelection.

Garcia, on the other hand, chose as his running mate former congresswoman Nerissa Soon, with their tandem being called “WinNer” coined from their first names.

Garcia and Soon both served in the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) from 1992-1995.

After serving one term in the PB, Garcia focused on his career in the corporate world and was appointed in 2001 as a director of San Miguel Corp.

He served as president and general manager of the GSIS in the Arroyo administration.

Soon, a doctor, served additional terms in the PB, as well as Congress, representing Cebu’s sixth district.

Garcia is the son of former Cebu governor and congressman Pablo Garcia. His sister, Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia, served for three terms as governor and is now running for reelection as House member representing Cebu’s third district.

His brother, former Cebu third district congressman Pablo John Garcia, ran for governor in the last elections but was defeated by Davide. (PNA) RMA/EB/EDS