Hope, Unity Propel BBM-Sara to Victory: Gov. Garcia

CEBU CITY – Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the hope of the Filipinos for unity and continuity in the gains of the current administration has resonated throughout the country and became the basis of the overwhelming support for the tandem of Bongbong Marcos Jr. and his running mate Davao Mayor Sara Duterte.

Garcia, who won her re-election bid, said that the “too much polarization, bickering, and fighting” have achieved nothing for the country, stressing that the Marcos-Duterte administration will bring the country to greater heights.

“That is why so many Filipinos, you call them by whatever name, this message resonates because the Filipinos are just asking for hope, are just asking for someone who understands that enough for fighting, enough of deciding on the basis of political color who get the help who would not, that’s enough. Let’s all work together,” Garcia said, adding “the people have realized that it’s only the UniTeam that we can hope that everyone can achieve that dream of lining up amongst those leading nations in Asia.”

Garcia said the country has been lagging behind other nations in Southeast Asia due to many partisan conflicts and the practice of politicians changing policies once every six years.

“We are confused people because every six years we have different policies. I would hope that the BBM-Sara team and I am glad that Filipinos resoundingly chose them, I believe one of the major factors is BBM has always consistently stated that he would continue the programs of President (Rodrigo) Duterte and that’s what we need. We need to build upon the gains of this administration. (Whether) we like it or not, this administration has made major strides in the drug war, everyone has a say about that, that if President Duterte had not become president, we would become another narco-state,” she said.

Garcia also cited the successful government reforms in the rail transit transport system in Manila, as well as the “Build, Build, Build” program that brought the country into the golden age of infrastructure. “The achievement of the present administration is very clear. (In these) palpable gains of this administration (that) will be built upon the incoming administration. That can only be done through continuity,” she said.

The governor is a staunch supporter of Marcos and Duterte and even vowed to deliver the winning votes as she rallied Cebuanos behind the tandem. “For me, it’s the fulfillment of a promise. No, there was never a bargain set out. It was all about deciding on which candidate embraced the same values that One Cebu (party) embraced, and that’s the value of the UniTeam,” Garcia said.

Garcia’s daughter, Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, who is also Duterte’s spokesperson, said the vice president-elect is very thankful for the support of her mother and the Cebuanos. “I believed that she (Duterte) was confident that Governor Gwen and One Cebu would be able to (fulfill) its commitment to deliver and full support to the UniTeam’s president, Bongbong Marcos, and vice president, Sara Duterte,” she said. (John Rey Saavedra)