Seven months before the filing of candidacies this year, Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said she won’t run against Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III, her running mate in the 2013 elections.
She divulged to reporters yesterday that she told Governor Davide of her decision two months ago.
Magpale said she was happy that Davide announced his bid to run anew for governor two weeks ago since it will quell rumors that she would run against him.
“I want to categorically announce nga ako gali ning ingon nako nga kon duna silay ikapuli, di nako magpapili (that if they have chosen someone for the position of vice governor, I will not run),” the 73-year-old Magpale said.
“I have talked to him. Gov, bisan mopirma pa ko ug akong dugo patud-on pirmahan nako nga dili ko molansar pagka gobernador (Even if I will sign a statement with my blood to prove that I won’t run for governor),” she added.
Misunderstood
But the vice governor said she is still undecided whether or not to run for reelection next year since there are mayors in Cebu’s 5th district who asked her to stay in the position.
“What happened was there are mayors from my district who asked me not to finalize my) decision but I am very sure, one thing is very sure I am not running for the position of governor,” she said.
Magpale said she was “misunderstood” by Cebuanos who speculated on the reason behind her frequent visits to their towns.
She said she was just doing her job by attending to their concerns and ensuring the implementation of the programs of the Davide administration in their areas.
Magpale said if given a choice, she would retire from politics and return to private life.
“Di na gyod ko unta (I do not want to run), I’m really going to retire kay naa koy eskwelahan, naa koy farm. Daghan pa unta kong buhaton sa akong kinabuhi (because I have a school, a farm; I have many things to do in my life),” Magpale said.