Georgia consults political, biz leaders for 2010 plan

CEBU – Georgia Osmeña, estranged-sister of on-leave Mayor Tomas Osmeña who is rumored to be eyeing the top city position, yesterday admitted having started meeting with some barangay captains and other political and business leaders to help her decide whether or not to run in 2010.

Georgia said she started meeting with barangay captains two weeks ago to consult them how she could be of help to their barangays. She has already visited five to six barangays and was able to talk to barangay captains.

According to her, she intends to continue going around the city and meet all the 80 barangay captains for consultation. She also vowed to make a house-to-house visit to the residents in Cebu City to feel the public’s sentiments.

“I’ll try to target one barangay a day,” Georgia said in an interview over dyLA. She said she was very happy by the “warm and very nice” welcome of the barangay officials that she has visited but she clarified that they have not talked about politics nor solicited support from them.

Georgia explained that she has not asked for commitment of support from these barangay officials, whom she refused to identify, claiming she has not decided yet whether or not to run for mayor.

She added her decision to run would depend on her consultation with the barangay leaders and on how the public will receive her.

During her meeting with the barangay captains, she said they only discussed personal matters, adding some of them told her that their parents used to be supporters of her father, the late Sergio “Serging” Osmeña Jr.

Georgia however admitted that she was asked if she is running for mayor to which she allegedly answered that she has not come up with a definite decision yet.

Aside from the barangay captains, Georgia said, she has also met with some political leaders in Cebu City like opposition leaders Jonathan Guardo, Raymund Garcia and Aristotle Batuhan. She also admitted having met with Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar, Gabby Leyson and former Governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña where she sought for advice.

Georgia had also met with some business leaders in Cebu but she refused to identify herself as part of the reported group that serve as core of the anti-Tommy alliance. “I do not want to be used to go against another party. My purpose is to help the Cebuanos.” — Fred P. Languido/WAB (THE FREEMAN)