Wednesday, May 07, 2008
He wants Tomas to run vs. him; Joy prefers not to strain friendship with del Mar
JONATHAN Guardo wants Cebu City Tomas Osmeña to run against him for the south district congressional seat, instead of just bluffing about the candidates Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) will field in the 2010 elections.
In the north district, though, it appears that Rep. Raul del Mar will succeed in letting his daughter Rachel, who is more popularly known as Cutie, take his place.
Education consultant Joy Augustus Young said that while running for north district representative is still an option, he would rather not do so if it creates friction and strain his relationship with del Mar or, or any other party-mates for that matter.
“As much as possible, I don’t want us to be enemies. I will defer to Raul because it is his district. As of now, iya mang anak, so be it,” he said, adding that he and del Mar have been long-time friends.
Young also said he likes serving the local government more than becoming a national legislator.
On reports that north district Councilor Nestor Archival also wants to run for vice mayor, Young said he does not know yet if Archival would change his plans.
Announcement
Osmeña earlier said he will let Vice Mayor Michael Rama take his place, with Young as vice mayor.
He also said that while he is not endorsing any candidate for south district congressman, he will campaign hard against Guardo, whom he accused in last year’s elections of buying votes and the people’s loyalty.
Osmeña also said that his wife Margot is not running for mayor, something that many have been speculating on.
Guardo, however, is taking Osmeña’s statements lightly.
“The (Rama-Young) tandem is formidable, but not necessarily invincible, but I don’t believe they are their final bets. It’s just (Osmeña’s) ploy. Announcing this early is premature, that’s why I’m not buying his announcement,” he said.
He also said Osmeña shouldn’t just focus on campaigning against him.
“Why doesn’t he just run against me? I think it would be a good clash,” he said.
Guardo also hinted that he will still be supporting a complete slate, being the opposition leader of Cebu City.
“We’re prepared to give them (BOPK) a strong fight,” he said.
Also, former City mayor Alvin Garcia told radio dyLA that they will examine their options, specifically on who will be the opposition candidates.
He also said the Garcia clan has not talked yet about the reported plan of Government Service Insurance System President Winston Garcia to run for Cebu City mayor.
Winston, he said, has not confided such to him, adding that if it is true, his cousin’s candidacy is something to watch out for.
At the Capitol, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia refused to comment on the tandem that Osmeña is pushing.
“It’s so early to talk about politics. I have decided to set aside politics and concentrate on work because that is what the Cebuanos want right now. All work and less talk,” she told reporters yesterday. (RHM with a report from GMD)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (May 7, 2008 issue)
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