Benhur Salimbangon for Governor in 2010?

Sonny: Erap wants to field Behur

AFTER months of keeping a low profile, former senator John “Sonny” Osmeña yesterday reported that Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu Province, 4th district) may run for governor in 2010.

Sun.Star Cebu tried but failed to get confirmation yesterday from Salimbangon, a first-term congressman allied with the administration.

In a radio DYLA interview, Osmeña said that former president Joseph Estrada met with Salim-bangon and his sister Mariquita Salimbangon Yeung last Nov. 5 and that
Estrada supposedly urged the congressman to run for governor.

Osmeña said he will meet today or tomorrow with Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr., a former gubernatorial candidate, and discuss Estrada’s proposal.

When reminded that Salimbangon ran as part of the administration-allied ticket led by Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Osmeña replied: “I don’t think that Benhur was always a staunch follower of the Garcias. He is a candidate of convenience.”

Salimbangon defeated Martinez’s son, Celestino III, in the congressional elections of May 2007.

More surprising than the former senator’s political forecasts, however, was his expression of concern for his cousin, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who is in the United States for treatment of urinary bladder cancer.

In a text message, Margot Osmeña said that the mayor began chemotherapy last night.

“Please join us as we ask God to guide the people through whom His own healing hands work. We also ask you to pray that we continue to hold tightly God’s hand as Tommy takes his initial step towards being cured. Your prayers keep us strong and determined. We are truly blessed.”

Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano dismissed speculations he will be running for governor when President Arroyo’s term ends in 2010.

He said he would rather focus on his work of promoting tourism, rather than jockeying for another office.

Osmeña openly speculated that Governor Garcia may seek higher office, such as the Senate, in 2010. The governor, however, has repeatedly said she intends to stay in Cebu. She is eligible for one more term as governor. (GMD)

Source URL: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/erap-wants-field-benhur-sonny