Tibyog leaders: It’s still Marquez for guv

By Jonathan Cabrera

KALIBO, Aklan – The leadership of the ruling Tibyog party showed to the media their “rock solid” unity during a press conference at Latte Café here Wednesday.

The three main Tibyog leaders – provincial party chairman and Governor Carlito Marquez, party founder and former congressman Allen Quimpo and incumbent Rep. Florencio Miraflores – gathered as a reaction of sorts to rumors that banker Ma. Betina “Mabeth” Mobo-Garcia will challenge Marquez in the 2007 election.

Vice-Governor Ronquillo Tolentino also showed support for the Tibyog triumvirate.

Mobo-Garcia’s name stirred the political hotpot in previous months after she reportedly met with defeated opposition candidates former Gabrielle Calizo, businesswoman Vicky Ramos and some Tibyog mayors.Mobo-Garcia has yet to confirm if she will run for governor.

In an interview, Quimpo confirmed Mobo-Garcia met him twice to ask for his endorsement.

He also denied reports that he is backing Mobo-Garcia’s political plan, contrary to reports of a tabloid several days ago.

“She wanted to be the standard bearer of Tibyog in the gubernatorial race against Marquez but I told her that I cannot endorse her. I consistently advised her to think twice about her plans to enter politics. Yes, I admire her as a banker and I have high respects for her but politics is a very different thing,” Quimpo added.

Quimpo said party members will choose their candidates in all local positions for the 2007 elections. “And as far as I am concerned, I fully support Marquez since he is the official Tibyog governor.

Tibyog members and leaders are fully supportive of the governor and he is consistent with the party’s platform for Aklan which is progressive, developmental and united leadership,”

Quimpo said.Tibyog has dominated this province’s political landscape for more than a decade now. Its leaders now occupy the congressional, gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial positions.

The party also accounts for 10 of the 13 provincial board members, 16 of the 17 municipal mayors and an overwhelming majority of the province’s 327 barangay captains and town councilors.

Miraflores said if Garcia will decide to run, he would still support Marquez.

Miraflores added Tibyog leaders are united behind the reelection bid of Marquez, who is a major component of the unity ticket of the local party.

He also belied insinuations that many mayors are rebelling against Marquez.

Mabeth Garcia is the daughter of former Aklan vice governor Benhur Mobo and wife of Ibajay Mayor Roberto Garcia Jr.Mayor Garcia is the son of former governor “Nono” Garcia.