Garcias Family

As I was trying to understand the political climate from my Filipino friend Florence over the weekend, I found out that the Garcias Family is one of the many powerful families in Philippines. According to Florence, they have been gaining considerable political ground in Cebu province over the last two decades, with 3 of its members running for public office in the 2007 election, establishing themselves as the province's premier political family.

Apparently, members of the Garcia Family were contesting for three seats namely Cebu Governor, Congressman in Cebu's 2nd district and Congressman in Cebu's 3rd district in the 2007 elections.

From my understanding, both Gwen and Pablo John Garcia were following the footsteps of their father Pablo Pabling. While Gwen Garcia was seeking re-election as Cebu governor, her brother was contesting for the seat held by his father from 1987 to 1995. Pablo Pabling bowed out of politics in 2004 after serving as Governor for 3 terms. He decided to re-enter the political scene and run for Congressman in Cebu's 2nd district. As expected, all three members of the Garcia family won the seats which they were contesting for. Since the 2007 elections, there has been a shift in Cebu's political landscape. The Garcias are slowly assuming the role of the Osmenas family: deciding the political fate of Cebu, which rivals Manila in economic importance.

It was reported that current Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo feels at ease with the Cebu province and its political climate under the leadership of the Garcias and said that "it is a strong province... a model for a strong republic". However, her support for the Garcias family was speculated to be connected to her controversial win in the 2004 elections. How I wish was in Philippines during the 2007 election to witness the triumphant win of the Garcias family!