Two Garcia allies throw support behind Osmeña

CEBU CITY — The political positioning for the barangay elections in May has started.

At least two barangay chairmen, known to have supported the failed re-election bid of former mayor Alvin Garcia last year, formally announced the other day that they would link up with Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

But Ramoncito Arquiza of Sambag I and Trinidad Borces of Mabolo tried to camouflage their shift of allegiance as a tactical ploy to win the City Hall’s support for their barangay projects.

Both said they can be more effective if they work with the administration so the city can fund projects in their barangays.

Whatever the reason, with both Osmeña and Garcia jockeying for position as well through the barangay elections for an expected rematch in 2004, the move of Arquiza and Borces can be crucial.

Osmeña unseated Garcia last year by a mere 2,000-plus votes despite Garcia controlling about 60 of the city’s 80 barangays.

With the desertion of Arquiza and Borces, who represent two of the most populous barangays in the city, Osmeña may have gained a little more breathing space.

Arquiza said he is withdrawing his membership with the Kusug party of Garcia and will be joining the BOPK party of Osmeña.

"You have to be practical," Arquiza said.

But there could also be another reason for the desertion.

Arquiza had felt bad upon learning that Garcia never really endorsed him as one of the three possible replacements for resigned city councilor Firmo Dayao although Garcia himself assured him that he had done so.

"It’s unfair to me," he said, adding that Garcia’s leadership is too much politics.

Borces said he could not improve his barangay without the support of the Osmeña administration. — Freeman News Service