CEBU City Mayor Tomas Osmeña visited the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) yesterday and walked 10 rounds at the oval to dispel rumors that his health is deteriorating, an issue raised by his opponents.
Osmeña walked the equivalent of four kilometers with some of the candidates running under the Bando Osmeña Pundo Kauswagan (BOPK) ticket. The brisk walking lasted 55 minutes.
But Jonathan Guardo, his opponent in the congressional race in Cebu City’s south district, upstaged him by running seven kilometers.
“I just want to show everybody that I am okay because this propaganda is making people bothered about my health. A lot of people care about me. I want to show them I’m okay,” Osmeña told reporters after his walk.
Also at the oval yesterday was Kusug candidate for city councilor Joel Garganera, a regular runner who has finished six 42-kilometer races.
Garganera was at the CCSC as part of his preparation for a race in Mandaue City on Sunday.
Guardo arrived with two of his running buddies on the second round of the mayor’s brisk walking.
Asked if he timed his run at the oval with the mayor’s visit, Guardo said it was just coincidence.
“Well, na-timing lang siguro kay usually, I jog in the morning but because of the handshaking in the morning, I have to schedule the jogging in the afternoon,” said Guardo, Kugi Uswag Sugbu (Kusug) for the south district House seat.
Guardo said he is preparing for the Milo Marathon in June. Guardo has run a full marathon, a race that covers 42 kilometers. His last full marathon was the Cebu City Marathon in January.
“I was surprised but when I saw him, I was happy that he was trying to be fit. We all know that he has cancer and it’s not easy to be battling cancer. So I’m glad that he is trying to be fit and that’s what I want for all the constituents of the south district, including our congressman and our mayor,” said Guardo.
When told about Guardo’s comment, Osmeña said he is not convinced his rival is happy that he is trying to stay healthy. The mayor said issues on his health are being raised by Guardo’s camp.
“Where did it (propaganda) come from? Atan, who else? He says I go around with my surgeons and nurses. With my health usik daw imong boto, you know, He’s desperate what can I say? That’s his last issue,” said Osmeña.
After yesterday’s walk, Osmeña was scheduled to attend another political gathering.
Later in the evening, however, a text message from Guardo’s camp said BOPK was worried by Osmeña’s walk at the CCSC.
“The plan was for Tomas to walk for only one round in an attempt to dispel rumors on his health. But since Atan arrived with his running buddies and ran an additional 18 rounds, Tomas was forced to walk a few rounds,” the message said.