THE prevailing political situation in Cebu City points to a potentially mind-boggling political condition that could confuse the voting populace when the time comes to vote.

Since the city’s political groups do not belong to registered national political parties, they are not subject to party rules and regulations and are thus free to change choices and political affiliations without fear of political sanction.

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Thus, we have Panaghiusa, which was a post-martial rule creation of Sonny and Lito Osmeña. Then there’s the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) and Kugi Uswag Sugbo ( Kusug). But they exist only by choice of the individuals that compose it, and under a perceived capable politician and leader. This time around, another group appears to be a-forming.

This new group has as leader the youngest of the late Serging Osmeña’s children. Georgia believes that she has something to contribute to the city which has been long under the “political management” of her elder kin. She has only recently come out in the open about her aspiration to be the first lady mayor of Cebu City.

Georgia is forming a group, Go Cebu. If her plans prosper, she would be leading a mixed line-up of new faces and seasoned players from the other groups who may join her.

I should give fair warning to those who may scoff at Ms. Osmeña’s political venture. When her elder brother, Tommy, first planned to run for mayor of Cebu City many years ago, almost everyone gave him no chance at all. Even her cousins, Lito and Sonny, who organized Panaghiusa, kept Tommy out of their political plans and went for Boy Cuenco, who was designated Cebu City mayor.

Most political observers believed that Boy would win the contest because he had all the odds in his favor. And while other columnists didn’t think Tommy had a chance, I kept my peace.

(Tommy was close to the late Sen. Raul Manglapus, a sponsor to my wedding and who was a Christian Democrat).

Tommy had told me over lunch at their place (he had sent the late Eddie Jabonero to invite me to lunch) that he was determined to run regardless of the odds against him, even if he has to run without a line-up. I told him it was a crazy idea. I recall asking then ambassador Frank Benedicto to run as vice mayor but he was busy in Singapore.

Look what happened. Against all odds and the prediction of most political seers in the city, Mayor Tommy prevailed, and the rest is history. I recall the late Nyor Inting del Rosario, Cebu City’s appointive liberation mayor, telling me that regardless of what others may say, he feels that Cebu City is an Osmeña country.