PJ Garcia ‘seriously considering’ 2028 gubernatorial bid but sister Gwen ‘may endorse Lagon’

Local

FORMER Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John “PJ” Garcia is seriously considering a run for governor in 2028, a bid that could put him at odds with his own sister, former Gov. Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia, and further expose divisions within the Garcia family’s political group, 1Cebu.

In an interview with media personality Jason Monteclar, Garcia confirmed that he has been weighing a gubernatorial bid but stressed that he has yet to make a final decision.

"As you said, I've been gradually considering it, although wherever I look, it seems like it's her (Gwen) who will endorse (someone else)," said Garcia.

He also addressed reports that Gwen, who chairs 1Cebu, may endorse Ako Bisaya party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon for governor instead of him.

The reports stemmed from a source who claimed to have been privy to internal party discussions and identified Lagon as Gwen’s preferred candidate.

Garcia, however, said he had yet to independently confirm the report with his sister.

“A person who claims to have been privy, present during the discussions leading to the supposed decision of Gwen... I have not had independent confirmation, especially from Gwen,” he said.

Asked how he would feel if he were passed over, Garcia said he would rather set aside his personal emotions and focus on the political implications.

“Yes, it’s true. It will affect if I run for governor, it will certainly affect my candidacy,” he said.

Garcia acknowledged that if he decides to run without the backing of 1Cebu, he would likely have to seek another political party.

He said political differences among siblings are not unusual in Cebu or Philippine politics, adding that political families have split over candidates and alliances in the past.

He also left open the possibility that a potential split could be driven by political strategy rather than personal differences.

Several figures close to the Garcia family have been floated as possible components of a 2028 slate, including incumbent Vice Gov. Glenn Soco, Tabogon Mayor Zigfred “Siegfried” Duterte and 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco, Garcia’s nephew-in-law.

Garcia, however, said he has not formally discussed his political plans with them.

Garcia’s strained history with 1Cebu dates back to the 2022 elections, when he broke with the party over its decision to support then-presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

“So, I had to leave my position as Secretary-General...I have expelled myself," he added.

Garcia eventually rejoined the party, but said 1Cebu is no longer as united as it once was.

“I was also secretary-general of 1Cebu... It’s not as united as before, the party 1Cebu,” he said.

Still, Garcia said any attempt to challenge incumbent Gov. Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro in 2028 would depend largely on whether opposition groups, including Duterte-aligned figures, can unite behind a single ticket.

Without such a coalition, he said, it would be difficult to unseat Baricuatro, who defeated Gwen in the 2025 gubernatorial race.

Beyond the political maneuvering, Garcia used the interview to criticize aspects of the Baricuatro administration and outline some of his own policy proposals.

He cited Cebu’s food inflation rate of more than 19 percent, which he said was significantly higher than the national average.

Garcia also proposed rolling back real property tax assessments to pre-2019 levels, reducing provincial transfer taxes and cutting quarrying fees, which he said contribute to perceptions of monopoly in the province.

Asked about Cebu’s status as the country’s richest province amid complaints about the rising cost of living, Garcia said economic rankings should take a back seat to the welfare of residents.

“We don’t have to be the richest. We have to be able to take care of our mga Sugbuanon,” he said.(RBE)