Tom hits Team Rama's "black propaganda"

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña criticized the propagandists of Team Rama for allegedly spreading rumors that poor families living in lots that do not belong to them will be evicted if he will be elected as mayor.

Two residents of Sitio Fatima, Barangay Apas, said they were told during the meeting of their homeowners association that it will be dangerous for them if Osmeña will win against re-electionist Mayor Michael Rama.

They said the officials of the homeowners association called up a meeting with their members, but while the meeting was going on some supporters of Team Rama arrived and delivered speeches.

"Mao may sulti nila nga kun modaug kuno pagka-mayor si Sir Tommy papahawaon kuno mi dinhi," the two women said.

Osmeña said it is not true that if he wins as mayor he will have urban poor families evicted from their locations.

Osmeña said he was the one who offered a land swap deal with the Capitol and City of Cebu so the families living in the province-owned lots in 11 barangays of the city shall not be evicted for their failure to completely pay for their lots.

The congressman said he believed that with election day fast approaching, his opponents will intensify their black propaganda purposely to discourage the voters to support him.

Another black propaganda of Team Rama, the lawmaker claimed, is that the annual cash assistance of the senior citizens will be reduced and the teachers who received cash assistance from the city last December would be made to refund the amount if Osmeña will win.

"Daghan g'yud sila og black propaganda. Putlan kuno nako og kuryente kadtong naka-avail sa Let there be Light Program," said Osmeña. He added that he was the one who fought that the fire victims in front of Lahug Elementary School can have power connection again after their houses were hit by a fire a few years ago. –(FREEMAN)