Either Tom, Margot or Young to run in 2013

CEBU, Philippines - The Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan dropped hints that it may be fielding either Rep. Tomas Osmeña, Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña or Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young to run for Cebu City mayor in 2013.

Osmeña said he will soon conduct his own survey to gauge the sentiments of the people.

But some of the city councilors who asked anonymity said they want Tomas to challenge Rama if the latter seeks reelection next year.

“Kun sila si Tommy ug Mike ang magsangka, alegre g’yud kaayo ang eleksyon pagka-mayor,” they said.

Tomas had said he is not happy being a congressman, but he had no choice because according to him only him and his sister Minnie Osmeña could beat congressional aspirant Jonathan Guardo in the south district congressional race during the 2010 elections.

The sides of the private van of Tomas have been printed with the congressman’s photograph, together with the pictures of his wife and Young, leading some to believe the three of them will run for the top positions of the city come 2013.

In city’s north congressional district, the people already know that former Congressman Raul del Mar, father of incumbent Cebu City north district Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar will run in the next election.

Although it is already definite that Rama will seek reelection in 2013, he does not want it to be discussed this early, saying he wants to work first for the benefit of the public.

Rama, however, advised the barangay officials to choose among themselves who will be endorsed to be included in his ticket as candidates for councilors.

Some barangay officials have endorsed third-termer Councilor Edgardo Labella to be the running mate of Rama, but the former Ombudsman director said he might resign in politics and concentrate to his farm and legal profession.

Labella said he does not want to break his friendship with Young, if one of the Osmeñas run for the top city post.

Sources in the BOPK camp said if Tommy will decide to challenge Rama as mayor, then there might be a possibility that Margot would replace him as congressman of the south district.

The political observers said Margot showed her ability to be a member of Congress when she presided over the budget conference discussing the P2.8-billion proposed budget of the mayor for this year.

“Sa Congress g’yud ang posible nga daganan ni Margot kay kon si Tommy mao’y magmayor law-ay man nga siya usab ang vice mayor,” some of the councilors said. (FREEMAN)