Cracks show in Liberal Party chapter in Cebu

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The Liberal Party in Cebu appears to be heading for a split after former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña announced plans of forming his own lineup for the 2013 local elections.

Osmeña told reporters on Tuesday that he would not support lawyer Hilario Davide III, who was expected to be LP’s candidate for governor of Cebu in the 2013 elections.

He questioned Davide’s leadership as head of LP’s  Cebu chapter and described him as passive, timid and insensitive.

“Davide has failed to impart to the national LP administration  the importance of cleansing. We need an assertive and aggressive local leadership,” he said. “He is a good man but he is not a good leader. I want a leader who will bring Ceboom (boom in Cebu).”

Osmeña said he would go around the province to look for an alternative to Davide in the 2013 elections.

Davide, for his part, said he was saddened that he no longer had the support of Osmeña, whose long and illustrious political career and his service to the Cebuanos would have helped them in their efforts to transform the province.

But he stressed that his platform has not changed since he lost the gubernatorial race to incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in 2010.

“I adhere to the same principles of transparency and honesty in public service. I hold the same respect for the ideals of democratic governance. I maintain the same clear purpose and renewed enthusiasm for the coming political exercise,” he said in a statement.

Davide, however, said there was nothing he could do if there were allies who had made up their minds not to support him.

“To those who opt to remain true to our ideals, I say, thank you  and welcome to the work ahead,” he added.

But Davide still has the support of LP heirachy.

Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas, who is LP national president, introduced Davide as the “soon-to-be-governor” of Cebu before he delivered his keynote speech at the 7th Annual Visayas Island Conference of the Provincial Board Members’ League of the Philippines.