Alcover dares Osmeña to a debate to defend his support for militants

CEBU, Philippines - Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy partylist Rep. Pastor Alcover yesterday challenged Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to a debate over the mayor’s alleged close relationship with leftist partylist group Bayan Muna.

Alcover yesterday called for a press conference to discuss issues about the mayor’s alliance with the militants and his support to Bayan Muna partylist representative and senatorial aspirant Satur Ocampo.

“Bisan asa nga dapit ug lugar andam ko sa pakigdebate ni Osmeña ug iyang ipamatuod nga dili mga komunista sila si Satur Ocampo,” said Alcover, who declared a “political war” against the local chief executive for his alleged support for the communists.

Alcover said that as the local campaign kicks off today, he will focus on campaigning against Osmeña, who is running for congressman in Cebu City’s south district.

In response, Osmeña said he’s ready for Alcover’s political war, saying he cannot do anything if that is the way the partylist representative thinks.

Alcover said he was dismayed by Osmeña’s giving an award to Bayan Muna during the city’s charter day last month.

Alcover is accusing Bayan Muna of being a front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The ANAD Partylist congressman protested the giving of Special Award to Ocampo during the charter day celebration of the city in February, or three years after Bayan Muna cooperated with the city in ensuring peace and order during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in January 2007. — Jose P. Sollano, Mylen P. Manto and Mellanie Joy C. Rosales, CNU Interns/WAB(FREEMAN NEWS)