Tomas to unveil political plans as Yogi bares mayoral bid

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City mayor Tomas R. Osmeña is set to unveil his political plans today as former Bureau of Customs commissioner Yogi Ruiz has formally announced his intention to run for city mayor in the 2025 elections.

Ruiz said he is already preparing all documentary requirements to have his “Partido Cebuano” listed with the Commission on Elections.

“Kaning atong purpose in the creation of Partido Cebuano is that we want to encapsulate, we want to place in one word their dreams and their desires to have a great city,” he said.

Ruiz, is also a former director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7, confirmed that he is intent on running for Cebu City mayor, likely against incumbent Mayor Michael Rama and Metro Cebu Water District Board Chairman Jose “Joey” Daluz III.

According to his resume, Ruiz is a graduate of PDEA Academy Class “Unang Sinag” in Camp Castañeda, Silang, Cavite.  He has a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and a Master in Public Administration from the University of the Visayas in Cebu City.

PRESS CONFERENCE

Meanwhile, Osmeña is set to announce his political in a press conference today. He, however, held back in revealing what the reason is, whether or not he would seek reelection or would be endorsing a candidate.

Rama, on the other hand, had said he welcomes any opponent, as long as they would not start mudslinging and spewing negativities against potential electoral rivals.

For Daluz, he earlier told The Freeman in an exclusive interview that he was indeed contemplating of running for mayor against Rama, with former city councilor and current Basak Pardo, Cebu City Barangay Captain Dave Tumulak as his runningmate.

Most recently, he also called Rama “toxic” for Cebu City, to which Rama said he would just forgive Daluz for the hurtful word, especially since it is the Lenten Season. /RHM (FREEMAN)