CEBU CITY – Tomas Osmeña, who served as mayor for multiple terms here, expressed willingness to run for vice mayor in next year’s elections.
OSMEÑA
In a press conference on Thursday, February 29, Osmeña said he will run for vice mayor if his ally, Councilor Nestor Archival, runs for mayor.
Osmeña took a swipe at Mayor Michael Rama here.
“I’m so ashamed that we have a city like this,” the grandson of former President Sergio Osmeña said.
Rama has already announced his reelection bid with Vice Mayor Alvin Garcia as his running mate.
Former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Central Visayas Regional Director Yogi Ruiz has already announced his intention to run for mayor.
Another potential mayoral candidate is former Councilor and current Metropolitan Cebu Water District Chairman Joey Daluz.
Osmeña said Cebuanos should consider other candidates other than those who already signified their intention to run for mayor.
“Mangita og lain (Let's look for another candidate). We deserve more than that,” Osmeña said.
Osmeña instead is pushing for Archival whom he said is qualified to become a mayor.
“I think the best bet for now under the circumstances, especially someone who I’ve seen work hard, proven, tried and tested, is Nestor Archival. If he runs, I will run. That’s how far I’m willing to go,” said Osmeña.
When sought for comment, Archival appeared hesitant to accept Osmeña’s suggestion.
Archival admitted that his chance of winning the mayoral race is slim if he goes up against the likes of Rama or Garcia.
The councilor added that he also doesn’t have the resources to run a campaign.
“I have the backing of the group and of course I’m happy with that but there are some additional resources that you need which is of course the financial aspect,” Archival told MyTV Cebu.
Archival said that he may be receiving a salary of P120,000-P125,000 a month but it all goes to his scholars.
“I’m different because I'm not actually receiving my salary. I have about P120,000 to P125,000 per month. I did not receive it. I have scholarships all over the city. I give it to the scholars,” said Archival.