Mobo-Garcia to declare Aklan governor candidacy?

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Will home-grown candidate Mabeth Mobo-Garcia formally announce her intention to run for governor of Aklan this week?

This young Garcia' entry in the political arena has caused a stir in local politics as incumbent governor Carlito Marquez plans to seek reelection next year.

"I decided to run for governor. There would be new political developments before the year ends. Everything is well orchestrated and every move is well planned,” she stressed.

Aside from being a seasoned banker, Garcia is also a graduate of political science and economics. She is the eldest daughter of former vice-governor Ben Hur Mobo and wife of incumbent Ibajay town mayor Roberto Monfort-Garcia Jr.

Mabeth's family has a tradition of committed public service - her late grandfather Virgilio Patricio of Batan, Aklan and her father-in-law Roberto Garcia Sr of Ibajay, Aklan were former governors of Aklan.

Garcia said she would be aligning with the party of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to launch her political career. She is perceived to be enjoying the full backing of Tibyog Akean stalwart and former Aklan solon Allen Salas-Quimpo.

Early this year, Garcia left the media guessing if she will be throwing his hat into the political arena against Marquez as they are closely watching her political moves - her trip to Malacanang and her frequent meetings with Tibyog Akean mayors and supporters in the province.

Garcia said she had been considering the plan to challenge Marquez since the governor is reportedly losing grip of the mayors aligned with the ruling local party Tibyog Akean.

A fierce contest among gubernatorial bets has also loomed strong as a group of political operators and strategies is ready to map out plans and help boost the candidacy of Mobo-Garcia, a University of the Philippines-trained political neophyte.

"I had no inkling few months ago that I will be facing something I avoided my whole life – joining politics," she stressed before she decided to follow her father's footstep in politics.

Throughout his political career, the incumbent Marquez lost in only one election in 1992 for governor against reelectionist and late governor Corazon Legaspi-Cabagnot.

Marquez, however, easily won as governor in 2004 election against businesswoman Vicky Ramos with the support of majority mayors of Tibyog Akean.