Saturday, March 17, 2007 Nalzaro: The damage has been done, mayor By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
LAHUG Barangay Captain Mary Ann de los Santos is only an acquaintance and not my friend. I even criticized her on my radio program one time for her failure to act on a complaint lodged by one of her constituents. I cannot remember the issue anymore, though.
Even then, I sympathize with Mary Ann after Mayor Tomas Osmeña unfairly treated her when her name surfaced as one of those considered by the political opposition in Cebu City to challenge him in the elections. Earlier, south district congressional aspirant Jonathan “Atan” Guardo announced that his group is considering Mary Ann to be its candidate for mayor.
Tomas also accused Mandaue City Mayor Teddy Ouano of financing the candidacy of Mary Ann in order to get back at him (Osmeña) because of his expose on the alleged overpricing of the controversial decorative lampposts.
But if I were Ouano, why would I poke my fingers in Cebu City politics when my leadership in Mandaue is being challenged in the May polls?
Anyway, Osmeña said that de los Santos accepted the offer to run because she needs money for her father, who is sick.
Poor, Mary Ann. She is now target of the mayor’s attacks even before she can decide to accept the offer by the political opposition for her to run.
Worse, she is not only the one ridiculed by the arrogant mayor but also her family, especially her sick father.
Why is Tomas doing this to Mary Ann? What does he think of her, a political prostitute? What he said against de los Santos is not gentlemanlike. While he apologized later, the damage has been done. Sources claimed Osmeña did it because he wants Cebuanos to sympathize with Mary Ann and prod her to run against him. Does Tomas really want to have a credible opponent?
And it seems the mayor is successful because Mary Ann is biting the bait and is already contemplating on running. But don't run, Mary Ann. Don't be carried away by your emotion. I know you are hurt. And yes, you are qualified to become mayor, even more qualified than the present City Hall occupant. But think of the political reality.
Like you, I don’t like Tomas because he is arrogant and vindictive. But I said this before and I say it again without fear of contradiction: nobody can beat Osmeña at this stage. He has the money and political machinery.
But please don't ask me where he got his money. The mayor’s salary is only P30,000 per month and he is renting a house owned by the Gaisanos in Guadalupe at P40,000 pesos per month. What about his lifestyle? And do you know of any business that the mayor is engaged in?
Osmeña is accusing his counterparts in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-lapu of questionable conduct. But what about him? Is he clean? Just asking.
