Former VM Osmeña passes away

CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City vice mayor Renato V. Osmeña passed away at dawn yesterday, few days after he accidentally slipped while playing golf in Danao City last week. He was 74 years old.

Cebu City Councilor Richard "Ritchie" Osmeña said his father expired at 3:15 a.m. at the Cebu Doctor's Hospital. The former vice mayor underwent an operation after the accident due to a fractured bone on the hip.       

Former mayor Tomas R. Osmeña said his cousin was in good physical condition before he met an accident at the Club Filipino Golf Course in Danao City last week.

Renato, one of the children of Edilberto Osmeña – son of  the late former president Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. – was first elected councilor of Cebu City before becoming vice mayor from 1998 to 2004. He used to head the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council.

Tomas said Renato was so effective in his task to instill discipline in the city's traffic and police force. Renato was fondly called "RO" among his friends and political supporters.

During Tomas' administration, Renato was given a full authority to manage the yearly Sinulog Grand Parade as the overall chairman. Even after his retirement from politics, Renato continue to serve as one of the directors of the Sinulog Foundation Inc.

"Dako siya nga kawad-on sa mga Cebuano," Tomas said.

Ritchie said his father's cremation is tentatively scheduled either for Sunday or Monday. His body now lies at the Crystal Palace of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Lahug.  (FREEMAN)