Osmeña not backing all Team PNoy candidates

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Representative Tomas Osmeña yesterday admitted that his group, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), is not campaigning for all senatorial candidates of Team PNoy.

Osmeña said that BOPK only campaigns for candidates who have helped Cebu City. Osmeña said he had learned his lesson in 2001 elections where he almost lost to former mayor Alvin Garcia.

“I concentrated in campaigning the senatorial candidates in 2001 to the point I almost lost as mayor and the candidates I am campaigning, they do not gave Cebu City anything. Its eleven-one gud to. Daghan gyud daug sa akong mga gikampanya,” said Osmeña during the 888 News Forum.

He said he is not promising 12-0 win for Team PNoy. According to him, it is up to the people to choose. Osmeña however said that BOPK is campaigning for former Senator Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay, Aurora representative Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Jr., Senator Chiz Escudero, and former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar.

Osmeña said these candidates have helped Cebu City in terms of projects. Magsaysay gave several water projects in the city, Angara gave P10 million assistance for various projects, while Escudero also gave each barangay a multicab.

Villar also gave P10 million to Cebu City as health assistance including medicines.

“Daku gyud ang nahatag ni Villar and we are thankful for that. That’s why, she is on top of my list,” Osmeña explained.

Osmeña said he would have supported San Juan Representative Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito Estrada but the latter belongs to the United Nationalist Alliance.

“UNA promised to be 100 percent all out support for the Garcias, so dili na lang ko mu support niya (Estrada),” said the comebacking mayor.

Osmeña had been at odds with suspended Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, who is now running for congress in the third district.

“If the Garcias will be back in power, the province will deteriorate,” Osmeña said.—(FREEMAN)