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Some have more political savvy than others.
Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña showed it by declaring his wife, Margot, and Ronald Cuenco as candidates for councilor in the south district under the administration Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK).
The announcement was made last Saturday before barangay captains, many of whom had been urging him to field Margot for mayor instead of BO-PK standard bearer, Vice Mayor Mike Rama whom they said was better suited to run for congressman.
By fielding Margot as a candidate for the city council, the mayor appeases barangay leaders and prevents them from turning to some other mayoral wannabes.
He can't afford to alienate these grassroot leaders at a time when two other Osmeñas have served notice that they, too, want to join the mayoralty race ? cousin Sonny and sister Georgia. Tomas can't afford to loosen his grip on the barangay captains and allow the opposition to slip through the cracks.
The mayor has never been known to flip-flop when an issue needs a decision. He's also shown that he keeps his word even if it draws blood.
Abandon Mike Rama? The mayor came close enough with his open criticism of Rama?s less-than-robust credibility with several barangay leaders, including Rama's choice of potential first lady. But watch the public language. In his speeches, the mayor repeats: BO-PK's team to beat is Mike Rama and Joy Young.
So it would take something earthshaking for Tomas to renege on his promise of support for Rama whom he has endorsed for mayor as early as 2008.
But with Margot in the southern slate for councilor, Tomas addresses the fears of abandonment of barangay captains by offering his wife: ?Margot will be there to take care of you.?
He is banking on the barangay officials? affection for Margot whom they find easy to approach about their concerns. She will be Tomas' proxy in City Hall.
Fielding her will solve Mike Rama?s problem with the barangay captains and put to rest speculations that the first lady will eventually be fielded for mayor.
Meanwhile, the reentry of Ronald Cuenco in the BO-PK will help consolidate forces in the south district, where businessman Jonathan Guardo is revving up a well-funded machinery for his bid as congressman.
Tomas has to challenge Guardo?s candidacy to protect his centerpiece reclamation project, the 300-hectare South Road Properties.
To fight Guardo, Tomas has to reinforce the south district with the help of the Cuencos, who have held the bailiwick for the longest time. Tomas' feud with Rep. Tony Cuenco dates back to the 2007 barangay elections when the mayor accused Cuenco of abandoning his barangay captains when they needed his support for logistics and leadership. Congressman Cuenco, who took offense, called Tomas a dictator and has been spending cozy time with the mayor's nemesis Gov. Gwen Garcia.
But with son Ronald in the BO-PK slate, Tomas may just get the father's supporters without having to patch things up directly with the congressman out of political need. The recruitment will also force Tony Cuenco to support BO-PK in the south district because of his son.
Now, that's smooth political maneuvering.
