Nephew of Tom eyes political bid

CEBU, Philippines - Another Osmeña plans to run for public office with a promise to continue the "Osmeña brand" of public service.

Renato "Junjun" Osmeña Jr. is bent on running as Cebu City South District representative, a post that will soon be vacated by his uncle, Rep. Tomas Osmeña, who will run as Cebu City mayor in the 2013 local and national elections.

The 47-year-old son of former Cebu City mayor Renato Osmeña and older brother of incumbent Cebu City Councilor Ritchie Osmeña said that he loves to serve the people and promised to work very hard if given the mandate.

"I am very interested to run as congressman in the South District. I hope the people will give me a chance," Junjun said in an informal launching of his candidacy during the thanksgiving party of the Federation of Small Bikers Club at Pagcor-Parkmall Satellite, where he worked as a manager.

He said that he was supposed to run in the 2010 local and national elections against businessman Jonathan Guardo but he was advised by Tomas that a neophyte in politics cannot beat Guardo.

Tomas won against Guardo.

Junjun added that he already told Tomas of his plan and was advised "to win the hearts of the people" as it would be too self-serving of him (Tomas) to endorse his own relative.

Junjun further said that he already started letting his presence be felt among the district's constituents together with his younger brother, Ritchie.

Should his plan push through, Junjun will be facing former Cebu City congressman Antonio Cuenco, who has already announced his comeback bid.

Cuenco, an uncle of Junjun is considered a formidable opponent. Aside from Cuenco, other names floated to run as congressman in the same district are Aristotle Batuhan, former undersecretary of the Department of Transportation and Communication and Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa. — (FREEMAN)