Gov. Gwen Garcia has been officially nominated — unopposed — as 1-Cebu Party’s candidate for the position of Cebu Governor in the 2025 synchronized national and local elections.
“I accept your nomination with pride and humility,” Gov. Gwen said in her speech after the announcement was made during the One Cebu Convention on September 30 at the SM Seaside City Sky Hall.
The event brought together the ranking members of Cebu’s biggest political party, which include 52 of the 53 LGU mayors; 11 out of 12 congressmen; all provincial board members; as well as super majority of all municipal and city councilors from all over Cebu, including the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue.
Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Allan Sesante, who made the motion nominating Gov. Gwen for the position, praised her “no-nonsense leadership with compassion” as the key to her success and popularity among the Cebuanos.
The nomination was seconded by Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco, with Pinamungajan Vice Mayor Glenn Baricuatro moving to close the nominations.
Gov. Gwen is now serving her fifth term as Cebu Governor. Her bid for reelection positions her for the unprecedented sixth term in office — a feat never before heard of in Cebu politics.
She, however, did not name yet her runningmate.
Asked by the local media at the sidelines, Gov. Gwen said it will be a “surprise.”
The filing of the Certificate of Candidates (COCs) will start on Tuesday, October 1 until October 8, also a Tuesday.
CONGRESSIONAL LINE UP
The One Cebu Party leadership also announced its official lineup of candidates for the House of Representatives.
Below is the official list of One Cebu candidates for Congress:
First district – Rhea Mae Gullas
Second district – Edsel Galeos
Third district – Pablo John Garcia
Fourth district – Janice Salimbangon
Fifth district – Duke Frasco
Sixth district – Daphne Lagon
Seventh district – Patricia Calderon
Lone district of Mandaue – Emmarie “Lolypop” Ouano-Dizon
Cebu City North – Rachel “Cutie” Del Mar
Lone district of Lapu-Lapu – Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King Chan
Ako Bisaya Partylist – Sonny Lagon
COOPERATION AGREEMENT INKED
The One Cebu Party is living up to is name of championing unity and cooperation in the entire One Cebu Island.
Before the gathering ended, the party signed a cooperation agreement with the three formidable political parties in Cebu’s first district; as well as in the independent and highly urbanized cities of Cebu and Lapu-Lapu.
Gov. Gwen signed the agreement with Kugi Uswag Sugbo (KUSUG) Party president and acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin N. Garcia; Alayon-Nacionalista (NP) Party, represented by its president, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas; and KAABAG Party represented by its president, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard.
The agreement states that the parties express a desire to forge a cooperation to attain their mutual goals in the upcoming elections.
The primary purpose of this cooperation is to promote and implement the common goals and objectives of both parties through a unified effort for this 2025 elections.
The parties commit to working together to ensure harmonious and efficient functioning; respect, understand, and value each other’s perspectives; maintain open communication on decisions, policy positions, and cooperation activities; commit full cooperation and support during and immediately prior to the campaign period of the 2025 election; and respect each other’s autonomy while committing to resolve differences through dialogue and mutual understanding. | with reports from Sugbo News