End of a political career? Cuenco quits bid to return to Congress

CEBU, Philippines - Is former Cebu City south district Representative Antonio Cuenco finally ending his political career?   

The veteran lawmaker will no longer run for congressman in next year’s election, saying he is no longer physically fit to be able to join political gatherings.

The 77-year-old Cuenco had earlier announced his intention to run for Congress under the Team Rama of Mayor Michael Rama.

But in a letter he sent to Rama, Cuenco said in one of his barangay sorties, he felt something unusual that prompted him to see his doctor.

He said his doctor, Manuel Lim, confirmed that his vertigo problem has recurred. Lim advised him to refrain from further exposing himself to strenuous activities.

“I am afraid that such episodes will continue to get worse as the political campaign progresses,” Cuenco said.

Cuenco said although he wants to serve his constituents, what is important is the advice of his family for him to set aside politics.

“My family, whom I love dearly, has been incessantly begging me to grant them the gift which they say they value the most, my time,” Cuenco explained.

South district Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña said he was not surprised about the latest development.

“That’s expected already. That’s why I would not take Tony Cuenco as a candidate because two elections ago, when I thought he was willing, he told me he was going to withdraw. Whatever...let him withdraw as a matter of fact, I don’t care what they do,” Osmeña said over dyLA.

Osmeña, leader of the Bando Osmena Pundok-Kauswagan (BOPK), recalled that in 2007, Cuenco, who was then a BOPK ally, wanted to quit from running for congressman because he was afraid he would loss to businessman Jonathan Guardo.

Rama, who was in China yesterday on an official visit, said he was not aware of Cuenco’s withdrawing his intention to run for Congress.

Rama was not able to read Cuenco’s letter but he authorized Cuenco’s son, James, to open the sealed envelope and read its content before reporters.

Rama, who is Xiamen, China for the 16th China International Fair for Investment and Trade, said he would issue a statement once he arrives in Cebu on Tuesday.

Rama said he would convene his allies and his team to discuss Cuenco’s possible replacement.

Cuenco endorses Daluz

Cuenco endorsed Councilor Jose Daluz III as his replacement, saying Daluz “can ably continue the legacy that I am leaving behind.”

For his part, Daluz said he is ready to accept the challenge but he would have to consult his family and members of the Team Rama.

James Cuenco believed that his father may already have wanted to resign from politics, quoting his father as saying: “I am going to set aside my political aspirations so I can focus on my retirement and be with my family.”

BOPK reactions

Councilor Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa, the BOPK’s candidate for congressman in the south district, said Cuenco’s health has been a concern of his family.

“It’s good this consideration has prevailed over Mike Rama’s urgent need to keep him in his team which is now on the brink of destabilization and demoralization,” Abellanosa added.

Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said the BOPK expects that many will leave Team Rama now that Cuenco is no longer on the line.

Young said they already knew this would happen.

“We know it’s going to happen. Tony Cuenco has run with us for so many times so we know him already. When he was even with BOPK, kaila nami sa iyang batasan so kabalo nami na di sya madayon and we warned Daluz about that many times,” Young said.

The vice mayor said Rama should be blamed for Cuenco’s decision.

“Why will Cuenco not run? Because of vertigo? I think that’s a very flimsy excuse because bahala’g ‘kanapu pa sya ma-Vertigo basta naa sya sa BOPK, kabalo man syang mudaog sya so he will not withdraw,” Young said.

Young said Cuenco’s real reason for withdrawing is because he realized that he will not win under Team Rama.

Young said Cuenco is trying to salvage what he can because pursuing his candidacy will only cost him money.

“Nakita na niya daan ba, he can see what is ahead of him, that Team Rama is basically a hot air. I think, kabalo sya ana so di na lang sya magtuga-tuga kay makagasto pa sya, madaot pa iyang ngalan. So salbaron na lang niya iyang ma-save,” Young said.

Young said this recent development speaks volume of Rama’s leadership.

Cuenco’s withdrawal, Young said, left a gaping hole in Team Rama’s chance in the next election.

“I bet ilang gi-timing na wala si Rama diri pag-announce because it is very embarrassing,” Young said, believing that Daluz is just a temporary candidate.

Former Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Undersecretary Aristotle “Totol” Batuhan said he wish Cuenco well on his retirement from politics.

— With a report from Ramil V. Ayuman/LPM (FREEMAN)