CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival is now on the brink of formally announcing himself his candidacy for mayor in the 2025 elections, after receiving unexpected support from several groups and individuals.
But even if he is yet to make the announcement, former mayor Tomas Osmeña already did in his Facebook page, confirming that he (Osmeña), Archival, City Councilor Mary Anne de los Santos, and former congressman Bebot Abellanosa will seek elective seats next year under the banner of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).
Osmeña last Feb. 29 said he would run for vice mayor, but only if Archival would agree to run for mayor. Archival that time responded by saying he would love to serve the City of Cebu on a higher capacity, but he was wary over election campaign funds.
Just a few weeks after that, Archival said he was encouraged and pleasantly surprised by the support shown.
Archival disclosed to The Freeman that he is now 60 percent done with his survey, with majority of those with whom he spoke with in the barangays expressing support for his candidacy, with only handful being either undecided or has refused to.
He said that aside from those in the barangays, there are also groups and individuals who have similarly expressed support should he push through with his mayoral bid.
“So far, okay ra kaayo ang dagan…. Naa koy mga kaila nga mo-support. Surprisingly, wako kahibawo nga mo-support sila nako,” said the north district’s number one city councilor.
He said is more confident of his chances this time, especially that he has more time to prepare compared to when he first run for vice mayor as Osmeña’s runningmate in 2016, when he lost to the late Edgardo Labella.
Archival also said he already received pledges of financial support, but is extra careful on whether or not they have strings attached.
“Naay dili maayo, kuyawan ta, pangayoan ta’g ROI (Return of Investment). Careful lang ta ba,” he said.
Archival said that while Osmeña has already posted on FB what seems to be an election material on his candidacy, he has yet to finalize everything with the former mayor week, together with their possible line-up.-