Bebot not threatened by Atan's joining BOPK

 CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa said he is not threatened by businessman Jonathan “Atan” Guardo’s transfer to the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, saying the candidacy for the congressional seat of Cebu City’s south district has already been reserved for him.

“The group is already porma na and, I don’t expect Tommy will make changes,” Abellanosa said referring to Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

Abellanosa also said he believes Guardo will not run again, not even in his district, for any position.

“There is never any hint that he is even interested to make another run in any position,” he said, adding that Guardo has even expressed his willingness to support his candidacy.

“In fact he has personally told me nga supportive siya sa akong kandidatura,” he said.

He said Guardo joined him reportedly to give his “all-out support” to the BOPK, and he believes that the businessman, who ran and lost in the south congressional district in 2007 and 2010 is sincere in his intention to help them bring more economic prosperity to Cebu City.

As of the moment, Abellanosa said he sees only two possible opponents in the south district next year, former south district representative Antonio Cuenco and former DOTC undersecretary Aristotle Batuhan.

Meanwhile, Cuenco did not give so much attention to the announcement of Guardo that he will support the mayoralty bid of Osmeña.

According to Cuenco the former supporters of Guardo have already “splintered” and some of them are now supporting Batuhan.

“Wala na magkahiusa ang mga supporters ni Guardo kaniadto,” Cuenco said.

Speaking before a huge crowd during the birthday party of Osmeña at the SM Trade Hall last Thursday night, Guardo said he will work hard so that Osmeña will be elected again as mayor of Cebu City. 

He did not say whom he will support for the south district congressman.

Guardo said he is happy that he and Osmeña will once again be campaigning together after several years of misunderstanding.

During the 2010 elections, Guardo and Osmeña ran against each other for congressman of the city’s south district.

They started being friends against after Osmeña withdrew the libel case he filed against Guardo in connection with the latter’s statement that Osmeña blocked Guardo’s distribution of food packs to fire victims in Barangay Calamba when he was still mayor.   (FREEMAN)