Vidal gives Osmeña vote of confidence

CEBU CITY — Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal gave a vote of confidence the other day to Mayor Tomas Osmeña amid moves by a group of organizations and politicians to have him ousted from office.

Vidal, however, did not go as far as calling on people either to support the recall assembly or Osmeña. But he said that Osmeña’s fate should depend on the will of the people who elected him into office.

The Cardinal advised Osmeña to "take it in stride." "These things will calm if the people would (not) like to have it. Let us see," he added.

In view of the mayor’s recent health problems, Vidal said, "He must not put himself in a situation where he might suffer another attack."

Osmeña earlier collapsed in a wedding after suffering a hypertensive crisis, forcing him to take a sabbatical and seek medical treatment in the United States.

Vidal, however, was not critical of the organizers of the preparatory recall assembly.

"If the people will have that kind of decision, it is up to them. They must be responsible enough," he told reporters during the inauguration the other day of a new building annex of the St. Mary’s Academy in Dalaguete.

Vidal added that he would advise both camps to stay calm.

When asked whether it is proper to organize a recall movement when the country is experiencing an economic crisis, the Cardinal said, "I cannot make a judgment on the decision of that sector of society in Cebu. I cannot do that because they have their own perception."

He added: "It is the people’s movement. Whether they are justified or (not), I cannot make a judgment because that is their privilege."

However, the Cardinal did express some opinions on tomorrow’s barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

There are a number of candidates for the barangay elections who are also actively involved in church organizations, and Vidal said their Christian life may be challenged.

A retired priest himself, Msgr. Constantino Batoctoy, is running in the barangay poll in Boljoon. This, despite provisions in the Canon Law barring priests from playing an active role in politics.

Vidal said he has not met with Batoctoy but will be calling on him soon. He, however, said he will not encourage the people to vote for Batoctoy.

"We are not politicians. He is retired but maybe he has some reasons that I do not know," he said.

Vidal is advising the people to learn from the experiences of the previous elections, and vote for people who can deliver basic services and are transparent in the use of public funds. — Freeman News Service