Alvin "most likely" to support Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Despite reports of possible reconciliation with Rep. Tomas Osmeña, former mayor Alvin Garcia yesterday clarified that he is “most likely” to support Mayor Michael Rama.

In an interview over radio dyLA, Garcia admitted that he now has a good relationship with Osmeña.

But this does not mean that he will support Osmeña in the coming elections.

“When you talk about siding political affiliation, reconciliation with Osmeña doesn’t mean we support him for mayor. Reconciling doesn’t mean that you do support a person for his political ambition,” Garcia said.

Garcia and Osmeña started to be in speaking terms when Garcia visited the wake of Osmeña’s mother who passed away last year.

Garcia said he does not hold grudges.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Osmeña said that he and Garcia are “not friends” in terms of politics but they are civil.

Osmeña recognized Garcia’s visit to the wake to express sympathy to the bereaved family.

 “There is a time and place for anything. Our agenda for now is consolidation. We are roughly at the 60% level. We seek to have a hard, loyal core of 60% than a loose, liquid 80%. As a matter of fact, we let go of barangay leaders who play both sides. I don’t mind starting the campaign period with even less as long as our troopers are highly motivated, focused and loyal. That’s why BOPK is not dependent on any party,” he said in a text message.

Earlier, it was reported that Alvin’s son, lawyer Raymond Garcia may be running for councilor under the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

But Garcia said he is not certain of Raymond’s political plans although he assures his full support should he decide to run.

But Raymond denied the earlier reports that the Garcias have been sending “feelers” to the Osmeña camp for a reconciliation.

He also denied that the Garcias want him included in the BOPK line-up for next year’s elections.

“In all honesty, I have never talked to any member of BOPK and nothing was ever offered to me. There are supporters of KUSUG who are now supporting Osmena for mayor. They are the ones who are trying to make the Garcias and Osmeñas to be reconciled. It’s neither my initiative nor my dad’s,” Raymond added.

Osmeña and Alvin were former allies but their relationship turned sour during Garcia’s stint as Cebu City Mayor.   (FREEMAN)