Tomas: Cuenco deserts allies

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña yesterday said Cebu City South District Rep. Antonio Cuenco has a history of abandoning his allies.

In yesterday’s turnover of 22 buses to barangays in the north district by Rep. Raul del Mar, Osmeña cited several instances when Cuenco allegedly abandoned his colleagues and friends.

He cited as an example the case of Bernard Liu who was among the two witnesses used by Cuenco in the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs hearings to assess the drug situation in Cebu and the alleged drug activities of prominent businessmen.

But after that, Osmeña alleged that Cuenco abandoned Liu whose safety was at risk after his fellow whistleblower Ananias Dy was slain.

“I’m the one protecting him. Gibiyaan ni Cuenco si Bernard,” he said.

Osmeña said that while Del Mar is equipping his barangays in the North with buses, Cuenco was only able to give two buses.

“Kamo mga kapitan sa south, you invite Tony Cuenco and ask him about these things,” he said.

Osmeña and Cuenco quarreled early this year after the latter left for the United States for treatment of his vertigo at the height of the 2007 barangay elections.

Earlier, Osmeña said Cuenco abandoned Cebu City when he sided with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in questioning the Joint Venture Contract between City and Filinvest Land Inc.

The mayor also accused Cuenco of abandoning allied barangay captains during the elections.

Cuenco denied all the allegations, saying Osmeña’s cancer has finally gotten to his brain. 

Cuenco is now seen as among the contenders for standard bearer of opposition party Kugi Uswag Sugbo along with former mayor Alvin Garcia. — Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)