Former Senator Visits COMELEC: Sonny moving to Cebu City?

CEBU, Philippines - Former Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña visited the office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) of the North District of Cebu City further fueling speculations about his political plans.

Osmeña is currently a registered voter of Toledo City. He said the other day that among his options for 2010 would be to run for mayor either of Toledo or Cebu City, congressman of the 3rd District or governor of Cebu.

He inquired about the transfer of registration during his visit to Comelec and even asked for a registration form from election officer Marchel Sarno.

Osmeña said that he lived in barangay Kamputhaw when he served the city as councilor, vice mayor, congressman and mayor before he was elected as senator.

He said he wants to return to the barangay and will submit his registration form before the October 31 deadline.

The senator said that he started his political career in the city and he might as well end his service to the public for the rest of his life in the city.

“Dinhi ko nagsugod sa akong pagka-politiko, maingon man gani nato nga anhi lang nako ihalad ang katapusang mga tuig sa akong kinabuhi,” Osmeña said.

The estranged cousin of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that he is more inclined to run for mayor of the city as there is much to be done.

He emphasized the South Road Properties (SRP) that needs priority and he will start here if he decides to run for mayor.

He would not however elaborate on the issues and said that he would answer them in due time.

Mayor Osmeña, who learned abou the former senator’s interest on the SRP, did not hide his displeasure.

   This as Sonny was one of the staunch critics of the project in the past.

“Pulos estorya lang sila unsa may ilang nahimo ba? You know he has been attacking the SRP then now he wants to make it grow? Kung maminaw ko sa iyang gisulti ba maglabad lang ang akong ulo,” Mayor Osmeña said.

The mayor revealed that Filinvest Land Inc. will have their groundbreaking ceremony in December while another investor will also pour funds into the SRP within this month.

On the other hand, acting mayor Michael Rama sees no problem with the plan of the former senator and welcomes the transfer of his registration.

Rama who is also eying the mayoralty said that anyone can take any initiative towards that direction and he respects the move of the former senator.

The acting mayor considers Sonny as a formidable opponent if and when the former senator decides to run against him in next year’s election.

“Any person running should not be taken lightly because if and when they will run, they will always intend to win and anyone who intends to win should always stage and prepare for a fight, and that’s why no matter what, it should not be taken for granted,” Rama said.—/NLQ    (FREEMAN NEWS)