The Kugi Uswag Sugbo used to be a political force to reckon with in Cebu City politics. Its officials have been composed of worthy opposition leaders who can give the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan, Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s political bandwagon, a run for its money.
But KUSUG, which means strength, seems to have lost its political strength nowadays. That is because as far as its candidates for mayor and vice mayor are concerned, it no longer poses a threat to BOPK in a race for the top positions of the City Hall.
During a last-minute filing of certificates of candidacy, KUSUG had fielded two unknown personalities — Landolino Bontilao for mayor and Jonah John Rodriguez for vice mayor.
Although its candidates for the city’s two congressional seats — Lahug barangay captain Mary de los Santos for the north district and businessman Jonathan Guardo for the south district — can be said as heavyweights in local politics, the choice of Bontilao and Rodriguez for mayor and vice mayor came as a shock to many.
Some observers say Bontilao and Rodriguez are just “decoy candidates.” And there are rumors that the real bets — led by Government Service Insurance System president Winston Garcia — will soon replace them.
However, the move will not bring good to KUSUG. It will instead bring questions as to how serious it is in its campaign to end BOPK’s nine-year reign at the City Hall.
If it really wanted to put up a good fight for the two top City Hall positions, KUSUG should then have fielded valuable candidates. It should have concentrated on the two posts than on those congressional district seats if it wants to control the affairs of the city.
KUSUG and the rest of the opposition have been searching for the solution to the BOPK puzzle. For three consecutive elections, they have been waylaid by the BOPK juggernaut.
Yet for the next elections, KUSUG instead opted to field personalities that could not even have a chance to win in a vote for sitio leadership. And it remains to be seen whether its real candidates for mayor and vice mayor will emerge.
With Osmeña barred by the law from seeking reelection, KUSUG should have a good run for the May 2010 elections. But with the way things go, its chances remain bleak.