Tom greets Cebuanos via webcam conference

Cebu City Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña surprised the spectators of the Sinulog presentations at the Cebu City Sports Center grandstand when he gave his message for the celebration via webcam conference.

Bald but smiling, Osmeña appeared jovial and almost teary eyed when he expressed his happiness and regret, that for the first time in 20 years of celebrating the feast of the Sr. Santo Niño, he is not with his constituents.

Osmeña announced that as of 2008, Cebu City has a total surplus of P250.7 million and will prioritize his financial incentive of P2,000 for each registered senior citizen in the city.

When asked to comment on the P2 million aid of the Cebu Province for the affair, he said it was no longer be needed as the city has the said amount available.

“I hope that this Sinulog we have faith and we keep the city moving forward despite the troubles all over the world,” he said.

He thanked the patience and perseverance of the organizers of the affair, SFI overall chairman and acting Mayor Michael Rama and SFI executive director Ricky Ballesteros.

He also thanked the fraternities and the Muslims who helped in maintaining the orderliness of the affair.

Finally, Osmeña thanked all those who prayed for his health.

During the press conference Osmeña showed the two red and yellow lifelines on his right arm which according to him serves as his “gasoline station”.

He said he will undergo his fifth chemotherapy treatment on the first week of February and it all depends upon his doctor if he can go home during the two-week lull.

Osmeña is suffering from gall bladder cancer and it is only after his treatment that the doctors will decide whether or not surgery is needed to remove it. – Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP (THE FREEMAN)