CEBU, Philippines - Former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña apologized to at least 100 employees of Barangay Lahug for not giving the barangay enough attention during his term.
Osmeña made the apology during a meeting arranged by Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos, the barangay’s former captain, at her house last Thursday night.
Osmeña’s wife, Councilor Margot Osmeña, confirmed the meeting. She was also present at that time.
“Daghan man gud ang nagtuo nga estrikto g’yud ang akong bana ug kontra sila nga taga Lahug… dili baya kana tinuod, labi na karon kon hatagan nila’g chance si Tommy,” Margot said.
Osmeña also reportedly told the Lahug employees that he would apologize for whatever mistake he committed against the barangay when he was mayor.
The Osmeñas and Delos Santos were former political foes. In fact, Delos Santos ran against Osmeña for mayor in 2007 but lost to the latter.
However, this may no longer be the case next year.
Osmeña has announced he is running for mayor next year and personally invited Delos Santos to join his group, the Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan (BOPK).
Delos Santos ran for councilor and won under Mayor Michael Rama’s Team Rama in 2013. She was also a former ally of the opposition party Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) headed by former mayor Alvin Garcia.
Osmeña, Rama, and Garcia were former political allies themselves.
“Karon nga classmate na kami sa City Council, nagkailhanay na kami sa among batasan nga maayo man diay si Mary Ann, dili man diay siya gusto og binuang,” Margot said of the current scenario.
She also described last Thursday’s meeting as a “get to know you” gathering.
One of the employees present said: “Nakasabot ra man ‘sab mi kay kontra pa man sila niadto sa politika si Mary Ann. Giingnan man mi ni Mary Ann nga ingon ani man g’yud ang politika, ang kontra nimo karon, posible ugma kauban na.”
Others who were there said the employees were silent when Osmeña spoke. Only a few tanods went on duty at the barangay hall so they could attend the gathering.
Delos Santos chose not to comment.
“Please don’t let me comment. In due time, you would know my stand,” she said. — /JMO (FREEMAN)