Cuenco, Davide confirm House, Capitol bids

A RUN for Congress is in the offing for former Cebu City south district lawmaker Antonio Cuenco, who vowed to continue his fight against illegal drugs in the Lower House.

In a press conference after a thanksgiving Mass held to celebrate the conviction of the 11 persons linked to the mega shabu lab in Mandaue City, Cuenco said Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will be his ally in the Liberal Party (LP).

“I have decided to go back to Congress to finish my job (campaign against illegal drugs).” Cuenco told reporters in a press conference held at his home in barangay Guadalupe.

Cuenco described Rama as a “man of courage and great character.”

“I want Rama to be mayor again. He is for unity. I am in favor of unity. He is a man of great character. I am endorsing him for mayor again,” the former congressman said.

Rama, who was also present in the press conference said he’s optimistic about Cuenco’s chances to win Cebu City’s south congressional district.

“There will be some people who are drawn in our side. It’s just a matter of time.” Rama said.

Unacceptable

Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district was unfazed with Cuenco’s announcement, saying he already anticipated it.

“Anybody has the right to run for any position but to me it’s not surprising since I have already made it clear that Mr. Cuenco is unacceptable to the Bando Osmeña- Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK),” he said.

Last week, a group of Cebu City barangay captains in the south signed a paper to endorse Cuenco.

But they said they will withdraw their endorsement if Osmeña endorses his wife Councilor Margot Osmeña for the south district seat.

“Well, it’s up to them but 30 out of 34 barangay captains signed to endorse me. All I could wish is that they will stand to the endorsement they have signed for me,” Cuenco said.

Osmeña said he will hold his own press conference within this week to answer questions on the BO-PK’s plans for 2013.

He told reporters that he remains confident that the BO-PK will win in Cebu City next year.

BO-PK support

Osmeña recounted that he won in his first run for mayor in 1988 despite support from Manila’s administration party to his rivals at the time.

The congressman also assured support for the gubernatorial campaign of former Cebu City councilor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III.

Davide confirmed his run for the Capitol’s top post in a meeting with Cebu City barangay captains, BO-PK leaders and guests at a beach resort in Moalboal town last Saturday evening.

Davide also thanked Osmeña for supporting him despite the congressman’s soured relations with the LP.

“Davide will run under the Liberal Party but the BO-PK will still support him,” Osmeña said. / Rhea Ruth V. Rosell and Edison delos Angeles, Correspondents