‘If poll automation is finalized, I might run for mayor’ Ador Vincent Mayol Cebu Daily News
July 05, 2009
The opposition in Cebu City is marshalling its forces for the 2010 elections but their standard bearer is waiting for poll reforms that ensure an honest vote count.
“There’s a strong possibility that former Cebu City Mayor Alvin Garcia will run for mayor,” said businessman Jonathan Guardo yesterday, if poll automation pushes through.
“I talked to him (Garcia) and he’s interested in running and will most likely run for mayor,” Guardo told Cebu Daily News.
Garcia confirmed that he is helping select candidates to run against Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s party but said his own decision would be announced in October.
Garcia repeated that his bid for mayor would depend on whether the 2010 local elections are automated.
He confirmed that Guardo would be the Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug) party’s candidate for congressman in the south district while Lahug barangay captain Mary Ann delos Santos would be Kusug’s congressional bet for the north district against Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK)’s Cutie del Mar.
Garcia, who was defeated by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña in the 2001 and 2004 elections, said he was waiting for the P11.3 billion election automation project to be finalized.
“Whether I'm running for city mayor is unsure. As of now, I'm not interested (to run) but there's a possibility that I will run for mayor if the poll automation is made official,” Garcia told CDN.
With Mayor Osmeña no longer eligible to seek reelection, a political comeback by Garcia is expected.
“We need a mayor who is firm and a person with a heart - dili kanang moyatak sa katungod sa katawhan. (not someone who violates people's rights),” Garcia said.
Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he would just wait for developments.
“As of now, there's nothing definite. We just have to continue working to address what the people need. The best politics is performance (in office),” said Rama, who is determined to seek the mayorship next year and has Osmena’s endorsement.
Guardo, a wealthy businesman, has been preparing for a congressional bid since 2007, when he lost his first election.
“Yes, we are the underdogs. BO-PK has the political machinery and the overwhelming favorites. We (the oppposition) just do what we can in implementing projects,” said Guardo.
“I'd like to make sure that the South Road Properties (SRP) would be used properly so that it can create revenues and later on employment,” Guardo said.
Osmeña two weeks ago said an Osmeña would run for congressman in the south district – either his wife Margot, sister Minnie or himself – to ensure the success of the 300-hectare SRP, which is still being developed.
Guardo said the the Osmeña's plans don’t bother him.
“I'm going to run. We have to double our efforts,” Guardo said.
“From day one, we already started preparing ourselves by continuing giving services to the people,” Guardo said.
He said the BO-PK was “copying” his projects in the south district in distributing tents, medical and burial assistance and sponsoring sports activities for the youth.
“Karon pa man sila milihok. (They only moved now.) After the 2007 elections I have been helping the people of the south district,” added Guardo.
Garcia, for his part said he didn't think that Mayor Osmeña would run as congressman.
“Lig-on lagi si Tomas, pero dili siya kasiguro. (Admittedly, Osmeña is stronger but he’s not sure of running),” Garcia sai
“I don't think he (Osmeña) is as strong as before. He is now a lameduck,” Garcia said.
Both Osmeña and Garcia started their political careers as allies in 1988, winning the seats for mayor and vice mayor respectively under the same party.
Osmeña laid low from politics in 1995, giving way to Garcia as mayor of Cebu City until 2001, when they parted ways.
Garcia was defeated by Osmeña during the 2001 and 2004 elections.
In 2007, the opposition fielded barangay captain Delos Santos against Osmeña but she lost by a wide margin.
Next year, she will be fielded against Cutie del Mar, daughter of incumbent Rep. Raul del Mar, who is on his last term.
“She (Delos Santos) is hardworking and has a track record of public service,” Guardo said.
The opposition is also now finalizing their candidates for city councilors.
