FORMER Cebu City mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has cautioned Mayor Nestor Archival to be wary of Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, raising concerns over what he described as overreach within the new administration.
In a press conference held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Garcia responded to what he described as a “campaign of character assassination” from Osmeña and Archival.
Garcia described Osmeña as “Vice Mayor Pinocchio,” referencing the fictional character whose nose grows when he lies.
He also urged Archival to establish his own authority.
“To Mayor Archival, be independent. Do not allow yourself to be shackled because, at the end, the blame stops with you,” Garcia said.
In response, Archival denied that Osmeña was overstepping his authority.
“For me, wala man oversteps of power (there is no overstepping of power),” Archival said, stressing their dynamic relationship is crucial for the City’s development.
Garcia, for his part, cited recent allegations made by the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) partymates concerning alleged overpriced purchases made during his term.
The former mayor denied the accusations and said these were politically motivated. He urged both Archival and Osmeña to issue a public apology, saying that he was prepared to take legal action to defend his name.
Garcia expressed particular concern about Osmeña’s actions.
“Don’t overstep the authority of Mayor Nestor Archival because he was elected as mayor. Not you,” Garcia said, directing his remarks at Osmeña.
Since Osmeña and Archival assumed office on June 30, Osmeña has used his Facebook page to post a series of criticisms against Garcia.
“Focus on your job as vice mayor. Your job to legislate,” Garcia said.
This is the first time in Osmeña’s political career to serve as vice mayor. Osmeña previously served as mayor from 1988 to 1995 (two terms), 2001 to 2010 (three terms) and 2016 to 2019. He also served as congressman representing the South District from 2010 to 2013.
During Osmeña’s first two terms as mayor, his vice mayor was Garcia’s father, Alvin Garcia, who later served as mayor from 1995 to 2001. The alliance between the two ended in 2001.
Garcia’s statements came days after Osmeña and Archival’s camp publicized claims of alleged irregularities during Garcia’s term, including the procurement of a P4.4 million BYD Tang electric vehicle and a P20,000-per-piece T-shirt order. These figures are based on allegations from Osmeña’s team; official documents or audit reports have not yet been presented to independently verify the claims.
Garcia denied the claims, calling them “baseless and politically motivated.” He said he is prepared to file legal cases to defend his name if he does not receive a public apology from Archival and Osmeña.
As for Archival, he said he has a good relationship with the vice mayor and BOPK leader.
He noted that several new programs, including the “Mayor of the Night,” a free shuttle bus for BPO workers and 24/7 library operations, were Osmeña’s ideas.
Earlier, Osmeña expressed his views on disagreements with Archival, stating they are a crucial part of the democratic process for Cebu City’s development and rejecting the idea of enforced “unity.”
This statement followed their reported disagreement over the Carbon Public Market vendors’ sentiment against the approved Revised Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance from the previous Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Osmeña believes these debates are essential for progress, contrasting them with past experiences where “unity” hindered reform. / EHP