Tomas, Rama snub each other during farmers’ meet

CEBU, Philippines - Political archrivals outgoing representative Tomas Osmeña and re-elected Mayor Michael Rama both attended the Cebu Hillyland Farmers’ Forum and Festival but snubbed each other.

This is the first time the two were in the same occasion since the May 13 elections where Rama defeated Osmeña.

Osmeña was said to have attended the event to meet with barangay officials as well as Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala while Rama came in his capacity as the mayor.

The outgoing representative was accompanied by his wife re-elected councilor Margot Osmeña.

Tomas and Margot both left shortly after the activity was opened while the mayor stayed until the forum was held and after DA turned over projects to Cebu City recipients.

In an interview, Osmeña criticized Rama’s move in not renewing casual employees as well removing department heads who did not support his reelection bid.

Rama brushed off Osmeña’s reaction saying “it is undeserving of a comment.”

Alcala said he hopes that the two will eventually patch up and work together for the betterment of Cebu City, considering they have been partners in public service for a long time before becoming estranged.

The agriculture secretary also promised to help mountain barangays of the city by improving farm to market roads.  (FREEMAN)