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With less than 24 hours to go to today?s deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia was keeping mum about her choice of running mate.
Former Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo ?Teddy? Ouano said he was undecided. Philanthropist Mariquita Salimbangon-Yeung declined the offer to run for the province?s no. 2 position.
If Ouano doesn?t accept, the slot will go to bachelor businessman Glenn Soco, according to a source privy to negotiations.
In that scenario, Ouano would seek a seat in the Provincial Board. As of 10 p.m. last night, Soco was the favored choice.
Soco, an ally of the governor, is a visible supporter in her sports and economic programs. He also runs a manpower agency that supplies non-permanent workers in the Capitol.
Ouano told reporters yesterday it was important that ?I?m not a burden? to the governor, a reference to his controversial suspension as Mandaue mayor and eventual election defeat in 2007 over the ASEAN lamppost scandal.
?I know my limitations. Also, I would consider if I will be an asset to her (governor Garcia) and to One Cebu,? he said.
Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said the governor, along with her running mate and several Garcias would file their certificates of candidacy today.
Rep. Benhur Salimbangon of Cebu's 4th district, confirmed thathis sister, Mariquita, turned down the governor's invitation.
?The position was offered by the governor but Mariquita won't get involved in politics,? he said.
Ouano has pending cases in the Sandiganbayan over the ASEAN lamppost scandal, a factor weighing in his political comeback bid.
?Whatever decision we make should be for the good of One Cebu and the province of Cebu,? he said.
Ouano and Governor Garcia both attended yesterday?s Mass held in Mandaue City for local candidates, triggering speculation he was the final choice.
The Mass was attended by Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz and members of her slate and Luigi Quisumbing before they filed their candidacies yesterday.
The governor sat with Ouano and members of his family at the St. Joseph's Parish.
Garcia didn?t join the parade to the Comelec office though.
Ouano said he was there in support of the candidacy of his eldest child, Emmarie Dizon, who is running for city councilor under Soon-Ruiz's slate.
?Murag tanaw nako surprise party pa ni hasta karon wala gyud ko kibaw (It looks like a surprise party. Even I don't know what it is),? Ouano told reporters when asked if he accepted the governor's offer.
Asked if he was ready to campaign in the province, Ouano laughed: ?That is a big position and that is very tempting.?
The One Cebu party has dropped Juan Bolo, the provincial board member who drew the most criticism over the P98.9 million Balili land fiasco and the governor?s cold shoulder. With a story from Reporter Ador Vincent Mayol
