Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III yesterday said he didn’t feel threatened by former governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña and other gubernatorial candidates.
“Why should I be threatened? I should be happy that the people will have more to choose from,” he told reporters.
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He said he was pleased to know that there will be other candidates. He said he looks forward to a “fun” elections next year.
Davide said both Osmeña and Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia, who is touted as possible One Cebu standard bearer next year, are formidable opponents.
Osmeña served as Cebu governor from 1988 to 1992 while Garcia served three terms from 2004 to 2013.
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“Both of them have something to boast about. But ultimately, it is the people of Cebu who will judge us,” Davide said.
Asked what his competitive edge is, Davide said it isn’t for him to say.
“Let the others judge. It would be really self-serving for me to say so. But we will be working hard to finish all that we have started in 2013,” he said.
Davide, a former Cebu City councilor, is serving his first term as governor. He has announced his plan to seek reelection.
As governor, he focused on six key development agenda, with health and social services on top of the list.
Davide said he feels a sense of achievement whenever he gets feedback on his projects.
“Ako, malipay ko makadungog ta or dunay motext nato, dunay mosulat, ‘Salamat, inyong gi-improve ang hospitals, nakapahimulos gyud mi’ (I feel happy when somebody texts or writes, “Thank you for improving the hospitals. We have really benefited from these”),” he said.
Eight provincial hospitals were upgraded last year to Level One status, enabling them to perform surgical operations. This has lessened referrals to hospitals in Cebu City.
Davide said he is unlike other public officials, who broadcast their achievements.
“But at some point, we have to tell our constituents what the provincial government has done so far,” he added.
As of this month, Davide has the support of 32 out of 50 mayors in Cebu. The 32 mayors either belong to or recently pledged loyalty to the Liberal Party (LP).
Davide was the Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer in Cebu province in the 2013 elections. He won over One Cebu candidate Pablo John Garcia.
With loyalties still uncertain before the filing of certificates of candidacy in October, Davide said he was not worried about mayors jumping ship and transferring parties.
“Di ko mahadlok ana (I’m not afraid of that). These are honorable men. I am confident that they will not renege on their promise to support this administration,” Davide said.