Osmeña eyes Tumulak, Delos Santos for VM

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday gave the public a glimpse of who would be his possible running mate in the coming elections.

Two names among his allies in the City Council stood out as possible candidate for vice mayor because of their hard work and dedication. Osmeña said his wife, Margot, is already out of contention because she is not interested.

The mayor admitted that he is considering Councilors David Tumulak and Mary Ann Delos Santos as his possible running mate next year.

“Dave Tumulak is performing very well. His job just as councilor, deputy mayor...He’s doing heavy job,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña, however, clarified that it is still subject for discussion by all members of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

Tumulak prefers not to comment on the statement of the mayor while Delos Santos was not available for comment.

Tumulak currently sits as chairman of the committee on public order and safety as well as deputy mayor for police matters. Delos Santos, on the other hand, is the chairperson of the committee on health, hospital services and sanitation.

He also mentioned initial names of his candidates for councilors. Among them are former Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president Rengelle Pelayo, medical director of Long Life Medical Assistance Program Dr. Marlo Maamo, and Person with Disability teacher Morishka Nicole Uy.

Osmeña said it is not important for him that his candidates are well-known. He said what matters most is their capability to serve.

“Atong pilion ang mga tawo nga naay abilidad. They are not popular pero naay remedyo. I will campaign for them, ako lang pakita sa mga tawo we need young blood, new politicians,” he said.

The mayor also believes that former mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella will still team up against him next year. He does not believe that the opposition is already divided.

He was reacting to reports that some opposition councilors want Labella over Rama.

“Mura’g shadow boxing rana uy. I think they will end up together,” Osmeña said. (FREEMAN)