THE working relationship between Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña will exemplify democracy, not political conflict, with arguments and disagreements over policies serving as the norm for the city’s development, Osmeña assured on Monday, June 30, 2025.
In an interview following the ceremonial turnover of the seal of Cebu City from former mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia to Archival, Osmeña characterized their working relationship as democracy in action.
This stands in contrast to the pervasive political slogan of “unity” among public officials, which he explicitly rejects. “I don’t believe in unity,” he said, drawing parallels to martial law, dictatorships and royalty where unity is often enforced.
Tensions between Archival and Osmeña had surfaced just days before the June 30 transition.
On Friday, June 27, Osmeña expressed feeling betrayed by Archival’s inaction and absence regarding the passage of the revised zoning ordinance.
He accused city leaders of “selling out the urban poor,” particularly in light of the outcry from Carbon Public Market vendors. These vendors viewed the ordinance’s passage as a move to accelerate the public market’s privatization, which they opposed.
However, the two officials reconciled during a lunch meeting on Saturday, June 28. Before this, Archival had defended his absence, emphasizing that the legislative measure would drive future development in Cebu City.
A foundation for progress
“Democracy is about elections,” Osmeña reiterated. “Elections mean people are fighting each other... The people decide. That’s what democracy is.” He explained that “unity” among public leaders often encourages obedience and loyalty, which can suppress ideas and hinder development.
He clarified that he sees no problem with disagreements or arguments between himself and Archival. “When we argue over things, there’s nothing wrong with that. That is the basic foundation for progress. Otherwise, we’re all idiots,” he asserted, adding that these discussions are “for the good of the city” and are “the basic foundation for progress.” He firmly believes that questioning ideas is crucial for administrative growth and improvement, dismissing the notion that disagreement implies a fault or disloyalty.
Osmeña also expressed comfort with his new role as vice mayor, preferring it over his previous mayoral duties, which he found restrictive and unproductive for enacting reforms and new projects. He openly expressed his sentiment on traditional legislation, viewing it as a “waste of money.” Instead, he advocates for a pragmatic approach to development, suggesting that projects be implemented first and only formalized with ordinances later.
As the presiding officer of the City Council, Osmeña views his new position as that of a “referee.” He conveyed being unconcerned by potential opposition allying against the executive branch.
Former mayor Garcia, on Saturday, hinted at a majority bloc formed by his Kusug-Panaghiusa coalition, potentially allied with Partido Barug councilors. Garcia underscored that the power to sign checks and control appropriations ultimately rests with the executive branch. “You can appropriate P50 billion,” he said, “If you won’t sign the check, then fine.”
Osmeña challenged traditional legislative processes, instead championing a more direct, executive-led approach to city development, citing past major projects like the South Road Properties (SRP) which proceeded without specific ordinances. He suggested that reforms and initiatives could move forward regardless of potential legislative hurdles by leveraging the executive’s control over city resources.
On the other hand, Archival welcomed the potential alliance in the City Council, even if it doesn’t form his majority bloc, stating that he will adopt a democratic approach in dealing with legislative hurdles.
“That will be a move, that will be interesting… being the city mayor, I will make sure that the welfare of the people will come first,” said Archival. / EHP