City administrator feels sorry for Burden family

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City administrator Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez yesterday said Mayor Tomas Osmeña has already issued a statement over the recent Miss Cebu controversy and the concerned parties have no other way but accept it.

“The mayor has spoken,” Fernandez said, adding he just relayed to the mayor the sentiments of the family of Miss Cebu 2nd Placer Kimberley Therese Burden, including the possible revamp at the Cebu City Tourism Commission (CCTC).

“I do not make policies here some are rejected some gets approved, but I’m not sorry. I’m sorry ‘though for the family of Burden, that’s the way the mayor operates, he is very drastic,” Fernandez added.

The other day, Osmeña commended Miss Cebu 2009 winner Kris Tiffany Janson for keeping her cool on the issue and lashed at Kimberley, who resigned her second runner up position after the “Texters Choice” award she won was mistakenly awarded to Janson, by calling the latter “Miss Cellphone.”

Kimberley’s mother, Dr. Rowena Burden, in an interview, said they will not opt for legal actions but will still push for reforms in the pageant.

Dr. Burden earlier said she did not expect such drastic statement from Osmeña who just returned from the United States where he is seeking treatment for his urinary bladder cancer.

Osmeña even announced he will give an award to Kriss Tiffany Janson and her family for keeping their silence on the controversy when they could have also made their own noise.

During the January 14 coronation night, Janson was announced as the Globe Texters Award when it was Burden who was the real winner.

“He is unfortunately condemning the aggrieved party and is condoning cheating, a conduct very unbecoming of a mayor,” Burden said.

Dr. Burden said Janson knew all the while it was her daughter who was the winner yet she stepped forward and received the award when her name was called.

Dr. Burden said it is true that the sense of justice is different when one is influential and popular than with them who are just “nobody” and poor.

Meanwhile, Dexter Alazas, manager of Janson, sent a text message to The FREEMAN thanking the mayor for his decision.

“It is really true that he who humbles himself will really be exalted by God,” Alazas said. — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)