Cebu pols talk 2013 politics amid Sinulog

AMID the festive atmosphere in the run-up to this Sunday’s Sinulog Grand Parade, Cebu’s top political figures are already talking about the 2013 elections.

Former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña was all fired up in his 77th birthday celebration as he complained over the Liberal Party’s seeming neglect of its allies in Cebu.

Cebu officials like Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante, Pinamungahan Mayor Geraldine Yapha, Dalaguete Mayor Andrade Alcantara, Bogo City Mayor Celestino Junie Martinez Jr. and San Fernando Mayor Abby Canoy attended Osmeña’s celebration at the White Gold Restaurant.

Former senator Ernesto Maceda also arrived along with former Cebu governor Lito Osmeña and his son, Mariano “Mimo” Osmeña.

Sonny told his audience that he blames Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas for the LP’s neglect of Cebu.

He said Roxas appointed former mayor and now Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña and this didn’t bode well for them.

The former governor agreed, saying he was never convinced about Roxas’ capability.

Despite this, Sonny called on LP members to push for more representation in the Lower House and even in the Provincial Board.

In Cebu City, lawyer Aristotle Batuhan said he may find himself aligning with Liberal Party (LP) allies in Cebu City in next year’s election.

But he said he has not yet discussed his plans with Representative Osmeña and Mayor Michael Rama.

Osmeña is chairman of the LP Cebu City chapter while Rama is a LP member.

Batuhan headed the P-Noy Volunteers Cebu chapter in the 2010 elections.

Batuhan is a member of the prosecution team’s volunteer lawyers group in the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona.

His name was floated as candidate for the south district elections in 2013 with third-term Councilor Jose Daluz.

Osmeña, who is on his first term as congressman, earlier said he may run for mayor if needed to depose Rama. The two men have been at political odds since last year.

For his part, Rep. Eduardo Gullas of Cebu’s 1st district called on Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to run either as either senator or vice president.

He said he is ready to campaign for Garcia in Central Visayas. With Correspondent Gabriel C. Bonjoc