Home 
DO Cebu City residents really want an “Osmeña Enterprise” lording over the city's south district and the South Road Properties (SRP) in the next few years?
Tinago barangay Councilor Joel Garganera posed the question in response to Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña's pronouncement that he or another Osmeña would have to run for the city's south congressional district.
Garganera, an Osmeña critic, said the mayor's pronouncement was just part of the “grand plot” by the family meant to conceal their plans to run for different government positions and casting aside Vice Mayor Michael Rama.
“That is their form of entertainment they are entitled to... The way I see it Minnie is a registered voter in the north district. And they made it appear that way but it is just a ploy because Minnie will really run for mayor,” Garganera told Cebu Daily News.
The mayor earlier said it would either be him, his wife Margot or Minnie who will run for the city's south district.
Osmeña said he only wants to run for Congress to protect the inroads made on the SRP project.
However Garganera said he did not buy it.
“What, is he a security guard? It’s just political survival. The mayor said he has P3.5 million in his statement of assets and liabilities but look at his lifestyle. Cite me a legitimate business of the mayor,” Garganera said.
In response, Cebu City first lady Margot Osmeña said she could not believe how the opposition thinks of them.
“I'm amazed at how their minds work,” she said.
However, the mayor's wife said there was no plan at all for her to run for office.
She said she is still thankful that the barangay officials voiced support for her candidacy as mayor in next year's elections.
Another opposition figure, Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann delos Santos, said she was preparing for an uphill battle for the city's north congressional seat.
“I have been prepared on whoever will be the contender...the more the merrier. We now have a socialite (Minnie Osmeña), another socialite (Cutie Del Mar, daughter of north district Rep. Raul Del Mar), and a true public servant,” she said.
She said unlike the two probable candidates, she rose from the ranks in politics and offered herself as a “better alternative.” /Reporter Marian Z. Codilla
