Georgia's healing mass a political gimmick - Tom

CEBU - Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña yesterday described as a “political gimmick” the plan of his sister Georgia to organize a mass for his speedy recovery from cancer.

The mayor said he has nothing to do with the move and that it might just be a gimmick to boost Georgia’s plan to run for mayor in 2010.

He also discouraged his political supporters and friends to attend the mass, which Georgia said would be held at the Basilica del Santo Niño.

“Bahala siya. Wala ko’y labot sa iyang kalihukan...I wouldn’t be going to the mass if I was there. She is playing politics with my illness. I won’t have anything to do with this thinly disguised plot,” Osmeña said.

“Do not play politics using the Sto. Nino. Mauwaw ko,” he added.

The Freeman learned that Georgia and the mayor’s wife Margot are reportedly not in good terms. Osmeña is currently in the United States to undergo treatment for his cancer in the urinary bladder.

Georgia said the other day that she has considered the idea to run for mayor because there are several concerns that have not been addressed by the present administration like the proper implementation of the anti-noise ordinance.

Opposition leader and former mayor Alvin Garcia said Georgia could be a good candidate but Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann de los Santos who ran against Osmeña in last year’s elections said Georgia is still an Osmeña, only the “female version.”

De los Santos said the opposition leaders have not yet discussed whether or not they will accept Georgia into their party. She said there is also a possibility that three candidates will vie for the mayoralty post.

“Mora’g sa tan-aw nako three-corner fight g’yod tingali ang mahitabo kon modayon si Georgia paglansar. Ang oposisyon mobutang man g’yod og kaugalingong kandidato,” De los Santos said.

De los Santos said she would no longer seek a position in the city government but has decided to run for Cebu City north district Representative against rumored candidate Cutie del Mar, daughter of Congressman Raul del Mar.

Acting mayor Michael Rama had said he would welcome anybody who would run against him for mayor in 2010. He said it is always better to have more candidates for the people to have more choices.

“We in BOPK have always been guided with principles and tenets. The moment of truth is still in 2010…anyone can run as long as there is no disqualification,” Rama said.

They can chose the incompetent, one who is always busy and doesn’t have the time…and incompetent in the sense nga utok lang ang nagdako, walay experience sa public service. For me, I see my job as a calling, I look at it as a vocation, I love my work, I love being bothered,” he added.

In a speech via phone patch last weekend, Osmeña said Rama and education consultant Augustus Young are the frontrunners of Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan in 2010. – Rene U. Borromeo and Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)