John Osmeña to ‘enemies’: I’m very much alive

CEBU, Philippines — Former senator, congressman and Toledo City mayor John Henry Osmeña yesterday quelled insinuations that he has died or is dying, leaving a bold statement to those sowing false information about his health.

“I am sorry to disappoint my enemies, but I am very much alive,” Osmeña, 83, said at a press conference yesterday which was aired live via Balita Toledo page on Facebook.

Osmeña met reporters to clarify “malicious rumors” that have circulated in Toledo and neighboring towns saying that he is dying.

He said he called the press conference to assure his supporters that he is still alive and kicking, as well as to disappoint his detractors.

However, he confirmed that he is battling stage 2 cancer.

“I have chemotherapy every 21 days and my last is this month. So far, doctor says I am responding very well and there's nothing to worry,” he said.

Osmeña discovered that he had cancer July this year.

Apart from that, he begged off from revealing further details about his health.

Despite his condition, though, he said that he has remained committed to public service.

In fact, he said, he is overseeing the completion of a landfill in Toledo and the completion of the housing project by Atlas Consolidated Mining Corporation, now Carmen Copper Corporation.

Born on January 17, 1936, Osmeña is the grandson of Philippine president Sergio Osmeña.

He served as senator from 1971 to 1972, 1987 to 1995, and 1998 to 2004.

In Cebu City, he won as city councilor in 1963, became the vice mayor in 1968 and was elected to the House of Representatives representing the second district the year after.

Osmeña served as mayor of Toledo City from 2013 to 2019. This year, he ran for Congress to represent Cebu’s third district but lost to Pablo John Garcia. (FREEMAN)