Kusug warns Mike not to be too confident vs Tomas

CEBU, Philippines - Local political party Kugi Uswag Sugbo (KUSUG) yesterday warned Cebu City Michael Rama how "good" his opponent, south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña in politics is.

At the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday, Kusug president lawyer Raymond Garcia said that they had learned the lesson when his father, former mayor Alvin Garcia, ran against Osmeña in 2001 and 2004 elections.

Raymond said that they were swept over by the strategy of Osmeña for being too confident.

Raymond said that there are certain areas in Cebu City where voters cannot be bought but in some areas, how much people receive on that particular day will matter regardless of what projects have been given to them.

He said that Rama is a "hardworking, active man and has the passion to serve and is very approachable."

Raymond said that like his father, Alvin, Rama's being too good is among the weaknesses and Osmeña's being smart in politics is a threat.

"He can't afford to lose in election," Raymond said.

Raymond said that while they are a family of lawyers and they have business and properties, "politics is the main line of business" for Osmeña.

He also disproved the statement of Osmeña that the meeting of Kusug leaders the other day was a gathering of losers. Raymond said Osmeña's statement was inaccurate saying that some of those who attended are incumbent officials.

Kusug has earlier endorsed Rama; his runningmate, Councilor Edgardo Labella; and congressional candidates Aristotle Batuhan for the south district, and talent manager Annabelle Rama for the north district.

"Naa man sad mga losers sa iyang kampo," Raymond said although he did not mention any particular names. (He also has losers in his camp.)

Raymond said that Osmeña cannot belittle the force of KUSUG, citing the over 100,000 votes garnered by Alvin against Rama in 2010 elections.

He hopes that the endorsement will translate into votes for Rama on May 13.- /JPM (FREEMAN)