PJ reaches out to political leades for possible gubernatorial run

Local

FORMER Cebu 3rd District Rep. Pablo John "PJ" Garcia is reaching out to political leaders and supporters around the province as he considers running for governor in 2028.

Speaking at the MyTV Cebu Openline News Media Forum on Tuesday, Sept. 29, Garcia said he has not made up his mind but is giving the idea serious thought.

He expects to make his plans clearer in the coming months.

"I have not decided [yet], but I am seriously thinking about running for governor," Garcia said.

The consultations, he explained, are meant to test whether he has enough backing to carry a provincewide campaign.

"I have to see if there is enough support," he said.

He plans to keep talking to people across Cebu before settling on an answer.

Asked what would finally push him to declare, Garcia said a run for governor needs enough support to last through the entire election period.

A 2028 bid would be his second attempt at the post. Garcia ran in 2013 but lost to then-incumbent Gov. Hilario Davide III.

He had earlier said he was open to running again, as talk of possible candidates and alliances for 2028 picked up.

Garcia was also asked whether family backing would weigh on his decision, given the political chatter involving his brother Winston Garcia and other relatives.

He said he would like to have it but does not expect everyone to be on the same page, especially when political interests are involved.

"Ideally, no, but you know... in any family, bisan sa politika tingali, you cannot expect unanimity," Garcia said.

What matters more, he said, is the support of key leaders across Cebu.

"But critical is the support sa mga key leaders around the province," he said.

Garcia did not name the leaders he is consulting or say how much support he has gathered so far.

He said only that the early reactions have encouraged him to continue. He also gave no date for a final announcement, saying he expects a firmer position within the next few months.(TGP)