Tom, Mike seek spiritual guidance before polls

CEBU, Philippines - Local opposing candidates sought spiritual blessings a day before election day.

Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan candidates heard Mass in the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel in the South Road Properties while Team Rama chairman went to see Archdiocese of Cebu prelates.

Re-electionist Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said his Sunday was spent meeting Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

“I asked for prayers and guidance. This morning (Sunday), I went to see Cardinal Vidal. Then I went to the Archbishop’s Palace to visit Archbishop (Jose) Palma,” Rama said.

When asked if he also did the same, Rama’s rival for mayor Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña said he did not seek the two prelates’ formal blessing.

Before meeting the prelates, the incumbent mayor went to visit the graves of his family to pray for their guidance as well.

“First thing I did today (Sunday) was go visit the grave of my parents, siblings and relatives at Cempark (Cebu Memorial Park),” Rama said.

He was supposed to meet Palma right after visiting Vidal but had to return to the archbishop’s residence in the afternoon since Palma was still on his way here from Manila.

Rama said he was not worried about today.

“I feel cool. I leave everything to God. I always tell my candidates to work hard, expect the worst and hope for the best,” Rama added.

Meanwhile, Osmeña and his BOPK party spent their Sunday afternoon at the San Pedro Calungsod Chapel, the same venue for the party’s local campaign kickoff last February.

After the Mass, The FREEMAN noticed barangay buses at the location fetching some of those who attended, some of the buses from barangays Tejero and Sto. Niño.

When asked if he is confident he and his slate will win, Osmeña said it is normal for every candidate to smell victory as the election approaches.

“Sakit man gyud na sa mga Pilipinong kandidato to feel like they’re going to win,” a smiling Osmeña told reporters.

He explained that the incomplete attendance of his entire slate was caused by the “spontaneous” decision to hear Mass at SRP.

“This was not planned ahead. The decision to hear Mass was decided spontaneously,” Osmeña explained.

The Mass, attended by about 1,400 to 1,600 individuals according to chapel security in-charge Erwin Gabito, drew both BOPK supporters and regular churchgoers.

“Nangari rami dire kay nanimba man mi kay Mother’s Day man ‘ron,” Edgar Batiquin said.

Another said she was there to express support for Osmeña and party.

“Dose nako ka tuig nisuporta sa BOPK labi na gyud ni Congressman Tomas Osmeña ug sa iyang kapikas nga si Mam Margot,” said Leonora Olivar, 54, from Barangay Inayawan.

Chapel security also said supporters wearing shirts bearing the BOPK name were asked to leave because direct campaigning is already prohibited a day before elections. Gabito said these were mostly from barangays Carreta and Bulacao.

Showing their support for BOPK were the entire set of officers of the Cebu City Scholars.

“We attended this BOPK pre-election Mass to pray for fair and clean elections for all candidates. We, the Cebu City Scholars officers can not declare that all Cebu Scholars is going to vote for BOPK. We are divided.” said Gerald Lariosa, Cebu City Scholars president.  (FREEMAN)