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WHILE a Cebuano Cabinet official nipped a fledgling Senate run in the bud, an old hand in Cebu politics signed up for his own at the Commission on Elections two days before the deadline yesterday afternoon.
Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano confirmed in his Facebook account that he will finish his tenure as Tourism Secretary while former Cebu governor Lito Osmeña filed his certificate of candidacy at the Comelec office.
?After months of praying, reflecting, and listening, I have decided to finish my work in the department before accepting another responsibility. To all those who shared their thoughts on the matter, thank you very much for helping me find my way,? Durano said.
The secretary refused to answer several calls yesterday.
His aunt, Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, confirmed his decision yesterday.
She said she knew about Durano's decision as early as last Thursday morning.
Magpale said she got a call from Durano's father, Danao City Mayor Ramon ?Nito? Durano, informing her that the young Durano won't run for the Senate anymore.
She said Durano may be uncomfortable running under another party.
She said she believed the tourism secretary didn't proceed with his Senate bid because the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) which Durano belongs to didn't field any presidential candidate.
?With the NPC not fielding a presidential candidate, it looks difficult for Secretary Ace and I don't think comfortable he's comfortable with another party,? Magpale said.
She said it couldn't be because of low ratings since Durano ranked number 19 in the surveys.
Magpale said the family will support Durano's decision. Durano rejected an offer to run against Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
His brother, Rep. Ramon ?Red? Durano VI of Cebu?s 5th district, is seeking reelection.
Meanwhile Osmeña is running under his Promdi Party, the party that advocates countryside development as the trigger for national progress and the same party he ran under in his unsuccessful 1998 presidential bid.
Osmeña vowed to improve the economic conditions of the provincial folk and pursue a government decentralization program.
He said he would count on the support of Cebuanos, lamenting that there has been a dearth of Cebuano senators.
He said Cebuanos should emulate Bicolanos who have four senators--Francis Escudero, Joker Arroyo, Gregorio Honasan and Antonio Trillanes.
"I hope this campaign will delve into issues that are relevant and not sensational," he said.Correspondent Jhunnex Napallacan with an Inquirer report
