Friday, February 23, 2007
Wenceslao: Will Lito Osmeña run?
By Bong O. Wenceslao
Candid Thoughts
THE political opposition in Cebu province has not kept secret the plan to prod former governor Emilio “Lito” Osmeña to run against Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
Rep. Antonio Yapha spoke about it: Lito has the best chance among all the probable bets. But Osmeña has kept his cards close to his chest, which is not surprising for a wily politician.
The conflict between Garcia and Mayor Tomas Osmeña, though, may yet be a factor in Lito O’s decision. Tomas is not averse to using the election to settle conflicts, as shown in his rift with Talisay City. He “inspired” Gabriel Leyson to run against Mayor Socrates Fernandez. He can ask Lito to run against Gwen.
The strength of the mayor’s convincing power, however, will depend on the political situation in Cebu City. If no credible opponent will come forward to challenge him in the elections, Tomas can tell some of his financial backers to prop up Lito’s candidacy in the province instead. With the promise of financial help, will Lito run?
But what are his chances? Will all the fuss end up as wasted effort on the part of the political opposition in the province? Can Lito O, with the help of his “allies” like Yapha, the Martinezes, Simeon Kintanar and even his brother Sonny, be able to rebuild his political machinery at short notice? And will the Garcia camp be able to hold on to its advantage?
First off, one should admit that if Lito O runs, he will be the gubernatorial bet with the best political resume out there. His bid for the presidency and vice presidency had him snagging overwhelming support from Cebuanos, although he lost in the national balloting. He is considered a political elder by some local leaders, a plus in recruitment.
His candidacy, though, will be uphill this time around. One, he has been out of the political scene in the province for, like, eons. For voters, the principle “out of sight, out of mind” may work. Second, age is fast catching up on him and he may be tiring. The province is no Cebu City; there will be long travels to take and hills to climb, literally.
I am sure Lito O is even now surveying the political landscape, planting his ears closer to the ground and assessing his chances. Being a veteran politician, the probability of winning will, for him, take primacy over other considerations. But that he is being pushed to take the role of a knight rather than that of a kingmaker shows how far his political stock has tumbled.
(khanwens@yahoo.com/0915-9228651/my blog: cebuano.wordpress.com)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 23, 2007 issue)
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