IF you feel dizzy just by following recent developments in Cebu City politics, blame former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmena for that. Since he broke into the scene, city politics seems to have become a game of chess. Scenarios are being hatched for one side to confuse the enemy or map out the best position to gain tactical or strategic advantage.

Things used to be simple before this. Michael Rama runs for mayor under the Bando Osmena-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), with Tommy Osmeña gunning for the congressional post in the south and Cutie del Mar for the north. For the opposition, Jonathan Guardo challenges Tomas and Mary Ann de los Santos tangles with Cutie.

Sun.Star accepts donations for victims of Typhoon Ondoy

Enter Sonny and Government Service Insurance System president Winston Garcia and the race for the post of mayor got crowded. Sonny presented compelling scenarios, like him pairing off with Tomas and resigning if he wins so Tomas will become mayor again. Now Guardo and de los Santos might run for mayor and vice mayor, respectively.

Compare this with the political developments in the province, the constituency that Sonny left behind. Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez, who has tangled with the Garcias on the handling of alliances in the One Cebu party, says he is open to the possibility of running against Gov. Gwen Garcia. But nobody seems to be hyping that development.

I am not surprised by the turn of events, though, as the deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy is nearing and backrooms are busy studying the best lineup for a credible run in 2010. No candidacy is etched on granite yet until the needed documents are filed with the Commission on Elections. So don’t be fooled by politicians’ claims.

The best move so far came from Tomas Osmeña, who announced the inclusion of his wife Margot and former councilor Ronald Cuenco in the BOPK slate for councilor.

Margot will be used by the mayor as foil for Rama while Ronald is being used to neutralize his father, Rep. Antonio Cuenco, whom the mayor tangled with earlier.

Contrast that with the “Guardo for mayor and Mary Ann for vice mayor gambit.” The idea does not add anything to the political opposition’s current standing. Guardo leaving the south district would be like giving the congressional post there to Tomas on a silver platter. Opposition stalwarts should perhaps return to the backroom and come up with novel and compelling moves to counter the mayor’s offensive.

(khanwens@yahoo.com/ my blog: cebuano.wordpress.com)