Tom admits “courting” opposition to join BOPK

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña admitted that his camp, the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), is "courting" people from the opposition, just to gain the majority bloc in the City Council.

"We're tempted to get one more just to get the balance... I don't like to discuss this matter because we're not going to show our hands but because we are to get one more," Osmeña said.

The mayor did not confirm nor deny whether they are really talking to Association of Barangay Councils Head Philip Zafra, who is from the Barug Team Rama, to join their party.

"He maybe one of those.  I don't know," he said.

The BOPK camp needs to get the majority bloc, so that they can pass their programs and projects in the city council.

However, Osmeña preferred not to mention what are these projects in his administration.

"They're blocking our programs, so I feel obligated to see where we are going to implement out programs and Team Rama is blocking it," he said.

At present, the City Council’s standing is at 8-8 wherein both camps have the same number of members.

Councilors who are affiliated with BOPK are Margarita "Margot" Osmeña, Sisinio Andales, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Jerry Guardo, Alvin Arcilla, Mary Ann Delos Santos, Joy Augustus Young and David Tumulak.

Aside from Zafra, Barug Team Rama councilors include Raymond Alvin Garcia, Jose Daluz III, Joel Garganera, Renato "Junjun" Osmeña Jr., Jocelyn Pesquera, Eduardo Rama Jr. and Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr.

To recall,  Barug Team Rama got the same number of affiliated councilors with BOPK after Renato was appointed by the president as city official in replacement of former councilor Nendell Hanz Abella, who resigned from post after being designated  as commissioner in Seventh Division of National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).

In a separate interview, Zafra said he receives "feelers" every now and then from the BOPK camp, which is trying to convince him to transfer party affiliation.

He declined to name the individuals who are approaching him every now and then.

However, Zafra politely turned down the offer saying there is no chance that he will be swayed to transfer, since his loyalty is still with Barug Team Rama.

"No, no, there's no chance nga mo-shift ta.  But, we would like to assure the public that I am here for the good of the City of Cebu," Zafra said, via a phone interview.

He said different party colors should not be a hindrance in offering services to the constituents.

"Whatever party affiliations and whatever group I belong right now, my conscience is for the direction on what is good for the people of Cebu," Zafra said.

Former mayor Michael Rama, for his part, said no one from his party will transfer to BOPK.

"Sa akong pagtan-aw kung iyahay lang og barugay sa prinsipyo og patuo, wala gyud na.  Dili na mahitabo," he said. (FREEMAN)