MARGOT Osmeña yesterday thanked Cebu City’s children for their prayers, which she said helped in the successful operation that removed Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s cancer-stricken urinary bladder last April.

That, as she said it is just “wishful thinking” for detractors to say that the mayor is on extended leave because he is sick, after last month’s follow-up medical checkup in the US.

The mayor, she said yesterday, was in Bacolod City attending to his mother after a trip to the cities of Zamboanga and Davao.

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“I’m the wife. You think that I would agree (for him to travel frequently) if he is really sick? My husband’s health is very important. But no matter what I say, it’s on their (critics) minds already,” she said.

The mayor’s wife, who is also the Cebu City Task Force on Street Children (CCTFSC) chairperson, spoke during the opening of the 17th Cebu City Children’s Month yesterday.

She told an estimated 5,000 children from the city’s 80 barangays that the mayor, who had always made it a point to attend the program, was in Bacolod to attend to his mother.

She thanked the children and the Sto. Niño for her husband’s good health. “I attribute his wellness to your prayers,” Margot said.

She assured that the City will take care of the children even if her husband is no longer mayor after the elections next year.

“Bisan si kinsa ang mayor, basta naa sa Cebu, we will take care of you. We are proud to be your parents,” she said.

She also said she will continue to be actively involved in matters concerning the children.

“I will never leave the children as long as I feel I’m needed. But the day will come when somebody from among them (the children) will take my place. You lead so that somebody will follow,” Margot said.

During the program, Margot, with Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders and City Councilors Lea Japson and Rodrigo Abellanosa, released butterflies as the ceremonial opening of a series of activities slated for October.

Acting Mayor Michael Rama exhorted the children not to waste their opportunities as the future of the country is in their hands.

Abellanosa, City Council committee on family and women vice chairman, delivered his message using a popular Korean song, saying the hope of the city lies in the hands of “nobody but you.”

SK Federation president Rengelle Pelayo also said the City loves the children, which is why barangays are pursuing their protection.

Annabeth Cuizon, CCTFSC executive director, said the issues confronting children nowadays include child trafficking and Internet pornography.

That is why, she said, owners of Internet cafes should religiously comply with City Ordinance 2060, which amended Ordinance 1901. This ordinance prescribed the guidelines and regulations on the operation of Internet cafes.

In particular, Cuizon said, the provision prohibiting schoolchildren from frequenting Internet cafes during school hours is not being implemented.