Election aftermath
Finally the election is over. The people have spoken and their voice should be respected.
Many surprises happened such as the Talisay City results where a little known candidate, Johnny “JVR” de los Reyes, won over veteran politician Rep. Eduardo Gullas for the city mayorship.
I was told the loss was forthcoming because of issues that polarized Talisay City residents such as the closure of the Tabunok Market two years ago and its transfer to Lagtang where fewer customers go because of its location beside a river and far from the highway.
Another surprise was the loss of another veteran politician Rep. Pablo Garcia to Willy Caminero, a Provincial Board member, for the congressional seat in the 2nd district.
I think district voters wanted a change especially that Noy Pabling is advanced in age although he performed well as a legislator and delivered his pork barrel fund to his district. The controversies faced by his daughter Gov. Gwen Garcia also affected his chances of reelection.
In the 3rd district LP candidate Dr. Gaye Yapha gave Gwen a good fight, losing only by a slight margin. In Toledo City former senator Sonny Osmeña won against Mayor Rudy Espinosa. Dr. Antonio Yapha defeated the mayor’s daughter Vice Mayor Daydee Zambo.
Apparently Rudy Espinosa and his children are out of politics. Sonny O suucceeded in hammering on the issue of Espinosa family members cornering the major businesses in Toledo City. In the Province of Cebu, Jun Jun Davide finally beat a Garcia for the governorship. Again I must say that Pablo John’s chances of winning were affected by the controversies involving his sister Gwen.
In Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama won over his mentor who became his tormenter, Rep. Tommy Osmeña, who was surprised to be handed the first election loss in his political career.
Lawyer Edgar Labella won as vice mayor against Vice Mayor Joy Young. I think the issues against Osmeña were defined and successfully delivered by Team Rama for the public, especially on the issue of Osmeña’s arrogance in power and insulting many people. I think people got tired of this behavior and dealt him the final blow.
Well, I wish Tommy Osmeña will learn many lessons from this especially in how he exercises power. In governance, the people indeed are his boss and he should behave with great humility as a public servant.
Another issue that defined the election was that Mayor Rama in his two and a half year term was able to deliver services to the people like asphalting mountain barangay roads that were long neglected by Osmeña. Rama provided brand new vehicles and heavy equipment to the barangays compared to the term of Osmeña who provided second hand reconditioned vehicles and heavy equipment. Basic social services were also sacrificed by Osmeña in favor of focusing his attention on the South Road Properties. Mayor Rama was able to attend to these needs.
I think the threat of closing the Cebu City Medical Center was also an issue that hurt Osmeña although he had a change of heart in the end and declared he would no longer shut it down.
The people have spoken. Let us respect the decision.
To the winners in the 2013 election, congratulations. Please be magnanimous in victory.
To all the losers, please respect the decision of the people and better luck next time. What is important now is to move on and unite to work hard for the welfare and interest of the people.
