Osmeña wants Archival to run for city mayor

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña is pushing for Councilor Nestor Archival to run for mayor in the midterm elections next year with him as a candidate for vice mayor.

Osmeña announced this in a press conference at Casino Español yesterday, Feb. 29, 2024.

Osmeña said Archival is the best choice for Cebu City’s future, especially since the latter’s top priority is the youth.

According to Osmeña, Archival has been using his salary for his own scholars.

“He’s putting his money where his mouth is, and that is what is missing today – not sports, not Sinulog – but taking care of the next generation. We are not taking care of our youth,” he said.

If Archival decides to run for mayor, Osmeña promised to support him all the way as vice mayor.

“If Archival runs, I will run. That’s how far I am willing to go. If he’s not running, I don’t care. Why would I waste my time with someone else,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña said he can’t run for mayor anew due to the physical demands of running a city compared to being a vice mayor which is more focused on legislation.

Osmeña said Archival is still weighing his options with election funds as his top concern.

However, Osmeña said if the people of Cebu City want to save the city and have a better future ahead of them, they should support the “best candidate” possible.

When asked who he would support between two names being currently floated for the position – Joey Daluz and Yogi Ruiz – if Archival begs off, Osmeña answered none of them, saying that they are “kuwang” and that he only wants Archival as the next mayor and no one else.

Archival, for his part, told The Freeman that Osmeña told him it’s the consensus of their group, BOPK, for him to be their standard bearer and Osmeña as candidate for vice mayor.

Archival said he is willing to serve the people in a higher capacity, but admits election entails a lot of funds for the campaign and mobilization, which he said he does not have.

“This is a big task. I would be willing, but for some reasons and hindrances, of course, ang usa gyud is ang financial aspect,” said Archival.

Archival is still on his second term as city councilor and can still go for another term in the north district.

“Ingon bitaw ko, naa pa man koy usa ka term, pero ingon siya (Osmeña) you are not getting any younger…this is the time, maoy punto gyud,” said Archival.

The top-ranked city councilor in the north district in the last elections also said he is friends with Mayor Mike Rama and had been discussing some things as well, but Archival clarified, he is a team player and he will always go for what is the consensus of his group.

Archival is already in consultation with different sectors and said he will make his decision in a couple of days.

“Probably in the next few days. Abi nakog iya pa tong gitan-aw, but with karon (announcement of TRO), so mao na,” Archival said while saying, whatever is good for the City, he will go for it.- ATO (CEBU NEWS)