In rare public appearance, ex-guv Gwen refuses to talk about politics

Local

FOR former Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, 2028 can wait.

Garcia on Monday, Aug. 24, declined to say whether she would endorse Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon or her brother, former Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia, for governor in the 2028 elections.

In a press conference at her office in Mandaue City, Garcia said there was still considerable time before the 2028 elections and that discussing possible candidates at this point would be speculative.

She thanked Lagon for his support, particularly recalling that he lent her his helicopter during one of her visits to Ormoc.

Garcia said Lagon had been very supportive and maintained that he, like anyone else, has the right to pursue his political interests.

Her remarks came as political discussions surrounding the 2028 gubernatorial race continue, with Lagon being mentioned as a possible candidate and PJ Garcia having publicly expressed interest in another run for governor.

PJ Garcia said on Aug. 12 that he was considering another gubernatorial bid.

“Ako nang giconsider kana nga posibilidad,” he said.

The possible candidacy would be PJ Garcia’s second attempt at the provincial post. He ran for governor in 2013 but lost to then-incumbent Gov. Hilario Davide III.

Gwendolyn Garcia, however, declined to comment on her brother’s possible candidacy during Monday’s press conference.

She said making political statements about the 2028 race would not be productive because several factors could still change before the elections.

Garcia said she is instead focused on educational and livelihood initiatives, including curriculum development, preparation of program documents and meetings with potential trainers and program heads.

She made the remarks when asked about the provincial government’s decision to stage Halad sa Pagtuo 2026 instead of the competitive Pasigarbo sa Sugbo festival showcase.

“I've been so busy really focusing on the curriculum, and preparing all of the documents, and meeting with potential trainers, as well as program heads, that, sorry to say, wala na gyud ko mag-apil-apil og huna-huna ana,” Garcia said.

She added that she did not consider it productive to keep monitoring what the provincial government was doing if it would not help people who need assistance.

“For me, dili mana productive nga sige pako og apong sige pa ko og basa unsa ilang gilihok, and it's not productive. It's not going to help the people who need help,” Garcia said.

Halad sa Pagtuo 2026 will be held on Aug. 29 at the Cebu City Sports Center, bringing Cebu’s town fiestas to Cebu City through a religious and cultural celebration.

Unlike Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, the event will not have competing contingents or award a festival champion. The celebration will feature a procession of patron saints, a Holy Mass and presentations from seven local festivals.

Back to the 2028 race, Garcia said she would rather devote her time to programs that can directly benefit Cebuanos.

She said her current work includes educational and livelihood initiatives aimed at creating opportunities for the public.

Garcia also urged her supporters to support the GFG Institute and programs that can benefit the public, particularly young people seeking skills development and future employment opportunities.

Garcia’s position is consistent with her statement in May, when she said she was not leaning toward supporting any individual interested in running for any position.

At the time, she also said she had no political plans to announce either for herself or for another candidate, saying more urgent concerns affecting Cebuanos required attention.

Her latest remarks come as One Cebu’s potential 2028 lineup remains uncertain.

PJ Garcia earlier said his political prospects could be affected if One Cebu or his own family decides to back another candidate. He also said opposition groups would need to unite if they want to challenge the administration of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro.

Several political figures have been mentioned in discussions surrounding the 2028 gubernatorial race, including Vice Gov. Glenn Soco, Tabogon Mayor Siegfred “Dodong” Duterte and 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco.

Garcia’s political relationship with One Cebu has also evolved over the years. She helped establish the provincial political party, while PJ Garcia previously served as its secretary general before resigning over the party’s support for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 presidential election.

Gwendolyn Garcia lost her bid for another term as governor to Baricuatro in the 2025 elections. She later questioned the result through an election protest, which the Commission on Elections dismissed.(MyTVCebu)