Defensor-Garin tandem for Iloilo’s top posts in 2010 polls declared
It’s official—Third District Rep. Arthur Defensor and First District Board Member Richard Garin will run for governor and vice governor, respectively, in the May 2010 elections.
Defensor and Garin made the official announcement during a press conference yesterday at Hotel del Rio in Iloilo City with the presence of 32 out of 43 mayors in the province of Iloilo, board members, congressmen and several Sangguniang Bayan members.
In his opening statement, Defensor said that he has decided to again run for governor after his last term as congressman because of his yearning to “bring back the trust and confidence of the people on the provincial government.”
“This is a great challenge and a noble kind... We ask you to join us in the crusade for change, reform, dignity and restoration of honor and people’s trust to the provincial government of Iloilo,” Defensor said.
Defensor who served as governor of the province for three terms from 1992 to 2001 said that he did not think of going back to the province after he finished his three year term as governor but circumstances made him reconsider his earlier decision.
“Times and circumstances dictate that I should reconsider and face the challenges of the times and the mandate of the people of Iloilo... You, the people of Iloilo, know very well that under the present conditions we have reason to put an end to the continuity of the present leadership and restore faith and dignity among our people,” Defensor said.
He did not elaborate when asked why there is a need for reform and change in the way the provincial government is being run nowadays, saying the people already knows it.
Defensor apparently refers to persistent reports of graft and corruption committed by the Tupas administration as reported in the media.
Defensor said he believes their quest for change will prevail as they are being supported by a minimum of 32 mayors in the province, a great majority of the Provincial Board and other leaders of the province.
“I am confident that this team will prevail, will succeed and will triumph not only because it is endorsed by majority of our leaders but because it will be endorsed by the voters... the people of Iloilo,” Defensor added.
The last-termer congressman of the third district added, “the crying need of the times is, we have to make amends, we have to make reforms.”
Garin for his part said that he shares the same vision with Defensor to bring back the trust and confidence in the provincial government.
Garin said he based his decision to accept the challenge to run for vice governor not only because of the opportunity but with accompanying responsibility.
He believes that he is ripe for the position considering his experience in legislative work and executive functions.
Before becoming a board member, Garin has served as Mayor of Guimbal, Iloilo for three terms.
Present in yesterday’s launching of Defensor-Garin tandem were Representatives Janet Garin (First District) and Ferjenel Biron (Fourth District), Vice Governor Rolex Suplico, Board Members Macario Napulan (1st dist.), Rodolfo Cabado (2nd dist.), Mariano Malones and Arthur Defensor Jr. (3rd dist.), George Demaisip (4th dist.), Jett Rojas and Jesus Salcedo Jr. (5th dist.), PCL pres. Cecilia Colada and Liga ng mga Barangay pres. Jeneda Salcedo.
Mayors present were: First District: Ninfa Garin (San Joaquin), Christine Garin (Guimbal), Vincent Flores (Oton), Jaime Esmeralda (Igbaras);
Second District: Greg Villarico (San Miguel), Romulo Cabana (Leon), Juanito Alipao (Alimodian), Adolfo Jaen (Leganes), Gregorio Brazas (Zarraga), and Liecel Seville (New Lucena).
The eight mayors of the Third District were in perfect attendance, namely: Ramon Yee (Cabatuan), Bienvenido Margarico (Janiuay), Reynor Gonzales (Lambunao), Alex Centena (Calinog), Pablo Perez (Pototan), Rey Grabato (Mina), Mariano Malones Jr. (Maasin), Suzette Mamon (Badiangan) and Matt Palabrica (Bingawan).
From the Fourth District mayors present were: Hernan Biron (Barotac Nuevo), Ronaldo Golez (Dumangas), Theresa Debuque (Anilao), Bobet Pama (Dueñas), Rufino Palabrica (Dingle), and Mediatrix Fernandez (San Enrique).
Fifth District mayors present were: Juancho Alvarez (Ajuy), Ermelita Salcedo (Sara), Elizabeth Salcedo (Concepcion), Elvira Alarcon (Batad), and Mr. Anacleto Billones representing Pio Villa nueva of San Dionisio.
Another distinguished leader present was former 3rd district Board Member and now presidential adviser on agriculture Licurgo Tirador, while Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Oscar Garin managed to arrive even after the press conference.