Sonny pushes Chan for Lapu-Lapu mayor

CEBU, Philippines - Former senator John “Sonny” Osmeña has endorsed the mayoralty bid of Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Junard “Ahong” Chan against Paz Radaza, wife of last-termer mayor Arturo Radaza.

Speaking before more than 3,000 barangay coordinators and leaders in Barangay Pajac, Osmeña said that sometime in 2004 he noticed that Chan had potential to be the next mayor of Lapu-Lapu City.

The former senator admitted that he was the one who convinced Radaza to seek the mayoralty post against the wife of the late city mayor Ernest Weigel, Jr., who is also named Paz.

But before the barangay leaders and supporters of Chan, Osmeña asked forgiveness from the people of Lapu-Lapu City for helping Radaza become mayor.

“Dako ang akong pagmahay nga ako maoy nagkobinsir sa inyong mayor karon nga mudagan pagka mayor sa dakbayan sa Lapu-Lapu,” said Osmeña.

Osmeña admitted that he received several comments against the administration of Radaza whom he blames for the city’s slow development.

He hopes that Chan can introduce big changes to the city of Lapu-Lapu.

Osmeña also introduced Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Joselito Ruiz as the next congressman of the lone district of Lapu-Lapu and Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz as the next mayor of Mandaue City.

Chan said he was happy with the endorsement made by the former senator, calling him one of the most respected politicians in Cebu and a man he idolizes.

But sources from the camp of Radaza have belittled the endorsement of Osmeña to Chan.

They claimed that Osmeña’s time in politics “passed away” when he lost the last time he ran for senator. — Jose P. Sollano/BRP (THE FREEMAN)