PJ: I’m considering running as governor, tells all about 1Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines — With the 2028 polls drawing near, several local officials here began revealing their plans for the top position in the province.

Among them, former 3rd District Rep. Pablo John Garcia, who said he’s considering the gubernatorial race in the upcoming elections—even if he might be at odds with his sister, former Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

“As you said, I’ve been gradually considering it, although wherever I look, it seems like it’s her [Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia] who will endorse [someone else],” PJ told media personality Jason Monteclar during the latter’s The Not So Late Show with Jason Monteclar online show.

He, however, stressed that no final decision had been made.

READ: PJ backs out of Congressional race

In the meantime, PJ addressed rumors circulating that Gwen, who chairs 1Cebu, was leaning toward endorsing Ako Bisaya party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon for governor instead of him.

A source who claimed to have been privy to internal party discussions named Lagon as her preferred bet, he added.

“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,” PJ said.

Prior to his statements, CDN Digital has reached out to former Governor Gwen Garcia for statements over the reports but to no avail.

When asked about how he felt being passed over again for the gubernatorial bid among 1Cebu and his own family, the former congressman declined to elaborate.

Instead, he acknowledged it might cause a rift between him and his sister, adding that such dynamics among political families were not unusual in the country.

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

During the interview, PJ also shared that allies close to the Garcias, including incumbent Vice Gov. Glenn Soco, Tabogon Mayor Zigfred “Siegfried” Duterte and 5th District Rep. Duke Frasco, have been floated as possible candidates for 1Cebu’s slate.

Reflecting on his recent history with the party-from resigning as Secretary-General over disagreement on who to support during the 2022 presidential elections to rejoining, PJ commented that “it’s not as united before.”

To recall, he briefly left 1Cebu over its decision to back then-presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

When asked about the current administration of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro, who unseated Gwendolyn in the 2025 elections, PJ said an opposition bid would depend on whether rival camps, including Duterte-aligned figures, could unite behind a single ticket.

Otherwise, it would be difficult to challenge the provincial Capitol, he said.

“Uh, importante lang kung uh kinsay maka-unite ni ang uh opposition sa kapitolyo karon. Kay kung dili pud ma-unite lisod lisod pagbangga sa kapitolyo,” PJ said.

(It’s important to know who could unite the opposition at the Capitol now. This is because if they could not unite then it would be quite difficult to go up against the Capitol.)

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