Easter Sunday happened to be the virtual start of the campaign period for local and congressional candidates. I was invited to the opening salvo of Team Rama at the Rama family’s ancestral house in barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.
I received the invitation through a text message in the morning while attending Mass at Sacred Heart Parish. When I got home I noticed many people and cars going to the compound where the atmosphere was festive.
I met more people who apparently were supporters of Team Rama. By the way, I also got information that the Bando Osmeña – Pundok Kauswagan had their opening salvo in the town of Oslob with political leaders and supporters.
Mayor Mike Rama said he held the press conference in the house of the late Don Vicente Rama because he wanted to pay tribute to his grandfather as his role model for honesty and good governance. Mayor Mike then introduced his entire slate who were all present except for Jack Jakosalem who is recovering from surgery.
Mayor Mike announced that their opening rally would be this Saturday at Plaza Independencia where supporters will march to the venue. This way they they don’t have to bother with the issue of using government vehicles for the rally and explain to the Comelec.
I lingered to listen to speeches of different people at the gathering and got interesting feedback. I gathered that those who spoke were supporters of former mayor Tommy Osmeña who shifted their support to Mayor Mike for many reasons. The most common reason was Mike’s good natured personality and support especially in barangay projects.
After listening to the speeches I was so tired because the day was very hot and humid. I went home reflecting on what had transpired that day and realized that indeed the campaign was in full swing for the local bets. I wish all candidates good luck. May the good Lord be with them to protect and guide them.
May the voice of the people truly prevail in the forthcoming election.
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In Cebu province, specifically Toledo City, I got information from independent observers that former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña, a candidate for the mayorship, is giving the Espinosas a run for their money.
Toledo city residents have reportedly gotten tired of the Espinosas especially the children of Mayor Rudy Espinosa, who are all engaged in business in Toledo City. Apparently Sonny is using this as an issue against the Espinosas.
Sonny’s running mate is the former 3rd district congressman, Dr. Antonio Yapha, a formidable opponent of the vice mayoral candidate of One Cebu.
In the 888 News Forum, Sonny lamented that there are many killings in Toledo City that are not reported in the media in Metro Cebu so much so that he challenged the media to help bring this to the attention of the Philippine National Police.
Sonny said the perpetrators of crime were already identified but the local police are not doing much about it. He has requested PNP Regional Director Marcelo Garbo to send a detachment there that would directly report to the regional chief.
According to Sonny, the Toledo city police force is under the control of the mayor. Will Director Garbo take action on this?