ILOILO – First District’s Cong. Janette Garin and husband, Miag-ao’s Mayor Richard Garin, explicitly expressed their support for Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s reelection in the May 2025 midterm elections, clarifying that no member of the Garin family would seek the governorship.
The couple visited Defensor at his office on Wednesday morning and discussed the political alliance of Lakas-CMD party and the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), including potential mayoral candidates for the 1st District and the possibility of collaborating at the provincial level to support the senatorial candidates of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Defensor is the regional chairman of PFP while Congresswoman Garin is with Lakas-CMD. Most 1st District mayors are also with Lakas-CMD.
Mayor Garin also announced his intention to seek reelection for a second term as mayor of Miag-ao.
Regarding the vice governorship (incumbent Vice Gov. Christine Garin is finishing her third and final consecutive term), Congresswoman Garin indicated that discussions were still ongoing with 1st District leaders and congressmen from other districts.
“We have not yet discussed the vice governorship; we focus on supporting the governor and aligning with his administrative plans,” the Garins stated.
In a previous interview, Congresswoman Garin said she was open to the possibility of running for vice governor.
Governor Defensor said he expects the PFP and its allied parties to work out the details at the local level.
He also said that if he has his way, he would choose a vice gubernatorial candidate from his party, PFP, reflecting a logical and reasonable approach.
Governor Defensor, however, said the PFP and its allied parties would likely form a committee to thresh out the selection process when fielding the alliance’s candidates.
He also emphasized his openness and respect for anyone wishing to run for vice governor in the upcoming elections, acknowledging the interest from various politicians./PN
