Cebu City’s ruling political party courting opposition dads?

CEBU CITY — The city’s ruling political party, the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK), may be opening its doors not only to one but to all five opposition councilors.

Administration councilor Jocelyn Pesquera told The Freeman that the BO-PK is discussing the possibility of welcoming not only councilor Eugenio Gabuya Jr. into its fold but also the four other opposition councilors.

Some quarters started talking about the possibility of the opposition councilors defecting to the BO-PK camp when Gabuya sat next to Mayor Tomas Osmeña during the groundbreaking of the Ramos public market the other day. The two were certainly on good terms.

All opposition councilors were also extended invitations to the groundbreaking.

Osmeña said Gabuya has always been cooperative with the city government. "It’s fine with me if he will join BO-PK," he said.

Gabuya, when sought for comment, said his presence at the public market’s groundbreaking had nothing to do with politics. He said he was there as a member of the pre-qualification, bids and awards committee.

The BO-PK, however, has yet to discuss the matter. Pesquera said Gabuya is welcome to join the party, saying they had worked with him during the previous administration.

Pesquera said the BO-PK has been discussing informally every now and then the possibility of courting all the five opposition councilors.

She said there are no indications that Osmeña is against the move even if it means having to accommodate three of his most vocal critics, councilors Danilo Fernan, Carmelita Piramide and Vicente Kintanar. — Freeman News Service