Power shift looms in Cebu politics

FOR more than half a century now, the Osmeña clan has dominated the political landscape of Cebu, which rivals Manila in terms of economic importance and political influence. But since 1986, another family has been gaining considerable political ground in the province. In the last few years, it has become even more powerful with the growing public perception that it is close to Malacañang.

The elections this May could offer the strongest indication yet on how far up the Garcia family can go in Cebu’s political totem pole. Up for reelection as governor is Gwendolyn Fiel “Gwen” Garcia, whose immediate predecessor was her father, clan patriarch Pablo Sr. or Pabling. The former governor is himself coming out of retirement to vie for the seat of the 2nd district of Cebu. Should he win, he could be sitting in Congress with his youngest son, Pablo John, who wants to become representative of the family’s bailiwick, the 3rd district of the province.

A sweep by the Garcias at the polls may not only highlight the continuing waning dominance of the Osmeñas in local, if not national, politics. It may also signal the Garcias’ assumption of the role the Osmeñas have traditionally performed: that of deciding the political fate of Cebu.

We hope the piece, which is part of our continuing series on new political families, will illuminate the impact of clans in our country’s politics.

Read on at pcij.org.