Two GO senatorial bets attend Guardo’s rally in Punta Princesa

Only two of the Genuine Opposition candidates for senator appeared in the scheduled proclamation rally in barangay Punta Princesa, Thursday night, that was attended by only about 500 people.

Nikki Coseteng and Cebuano candidate John "Sonny" Osmeña attended the rally held by Tribu Guardo of congressional bet Jonathan Guardo, in the known bailiwick of Jose Navarro, a candidate for city councilor under Guardo’s ticket.

Sonny was apparently disappointed of the absence of his fellow candidates and of the scant crowd there.

Coseteng arrived ahead of Sonny and entertained first the crowd by dancing to the tune of her campaign jingle with the local candidates of Tribu Guardo.

Another GO senatoriable, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III was supposed to join the rally but failed reportedly because he was feeling ill at the time.

Pimentel and Coseteng were seen going around campaigning in the city’s downtown area in the morning. Another GO candidate, Antonio "Magdalo" Trillanes IV, sent his representative.

Sonny, who was just discharged from the hospital for bronchitis, said he insisted that he would be out of the hospital to be able to attend the rally and endorse the candidacies of Guardo and other local candidates of the opposition.

GO had expected a large number of people to attend the rally, and Sonny said it was hard for them to gather together in one event so they decided to go to rallies separately.

Sonny also brushed off insinuations that the GO senatorial candidates already gave up Cebu, where they reportedly assumed of getting defeated for its being a stronghold of the Arroyo administration.

"Their not coming here does not mean they gave up Cebu," Sonny said, adding that the absence of a standard bearer made it hard for them to campaign.

Coseteng, for her part, talked about her legislative agenda that go for education and poverty alleviation, more health services and less spending for debts.

In his speech, Sonny said he called his cousin, Senator Sergio "Serge" Osmeña III, the campaign manager for GO, to ask the latter’s brother, Mayor Tomas "Tommy" Osmeña, to stop attacking him.

Sonny said that if Tomas stops attacking him publicly, he would also do the same to the mayor. Tommy and Sonny have been at odds due to political differences.

True enough, Sonny did not discuss politics in the city and avoid endorsing openly Mary Ann de los Santos, who is challenging the reelection bid of Tommy.

Sonny also expressed confidence that GO candidates will dominate the senatorial race this year. He asked Cebuanos to vote wisely and be vigilant against plans to rig election results. — Wenna A. Berondo/RAE