On September 19, 2024, former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña attended the Quad Committee meeting at the House Representatives to discuss the controversial Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) operations in Cebu. During the meeting, Osmeña made claims about the rapid development in Cebu City, stating that billions of pesos were being spent on multi-high-rise buildings without public awareness.
Osmeña’s statement in Cebuano “Dako sab kaayo ang kalamboan sa Cebu City karon. Bilyon-bilyon ka pesos ang gigasto sa mga multi-high-rise nga mga edipisyo ug mora'g walay nasayod sa nahitabo” highlighted the scale of these developments. However, his subsequent interview with dyHP RMN’s Ruphil Bañoc seemed to reveal some inconsistencies. When asked if his comments referred to the development in Cebu, Osmeña backtracked, admitting uncertainty about the ownership and connections of the high-rise buildings near Montebello.
This revelation tends to raise critical questions about the integrity of the information presented to the Quad Committee. It casts doubt on the credibility of the entire hearing. The upcoming committee meeting will be a crucial test of whether the committee can discern fact from fiction.
Meanwhile, the residents of Cebu City deserve clear and accurate information about the developments that shape their city. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether they will continue to trust Osmeña’s assertions or demand more concrete evidence.
In the end, the truth must prevail. The residents of the city must remain vigilant and critical, ensuring that their city’s future is built on a foundation of honesty and transparency.