Tomas not participating in Guadalupe plebiscite

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will not participate in the plebiscite to split sitios Banawa and Englis from Barangay Guadalupe on March 13 because he is torn between his sympathy for those who want to keep Guadalupe intact and those who want to gain their independence.

“I am not going to vote and I think many will not participate,” Osmeña said explaining that the spilt is not really a major concern especially for residents in the barangay proper.

He also admitted that he still prefers a three-way split that will lead to the creation of barangays Banawa and Englis instead of barangay Banawa-Englis.

Osmeña said that because the split is not a major issue with Guadalupe proper residents, those who are against it may have to double-time in their efforts because the other side is surely mobilizing their people.

He said that rumors of vote-buying are not true because it is not effective in the city.

“It doesn’t make sense for many reasons. I don’t think either side can buy votes, they can not even afford to buy campaign materials how much more pay for these people?...Imagine, they are going to spend P10,000 per precinct?” he said.

For the plebiscite on March 13, the Commission on Elections has identified 31 clusters for 30,225 voters.

“It may have an effect but more people will hate you for that,” he said.

He, however, said if the “no” vote prevails and he will win in Congress, he will file another bill for the split, but this time he wants a three-way split.

Malacañang has already released the P1.5 million plebiscite funds which is now with Comelec Manila.

Earlier, Cebu City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco asked the Comelec Manila to release even some of the funds so the local Comelec can start preparations.

The plebiscite will start at 7 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m. The ballots will contain the question: “Do You approve the creation of a new barangay to be segregated from barangay Guadalupe, to be named as barangay Banawa-Englis, pursuant to Republic Act No. 9905, approved on January 7, 2010 by her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?”

On the eve of plebiscite day the giving and acceptance of free transportation, foods, drinks and things of value as well as selling, furnishing, offering, buying, serving or taking intoxicating liquor are prohibited in Guadalupe. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)