Osmeña to seek re-election in 2019

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña had made-up his mind and would seek reelection next year.

The mayor made the announcement yesterday, a day after saying he might field his wife, Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña, for mayoral election.

“I’m definitely running for mayor. So stop the speculations,” he told reporters. He, however, did not disclose yet the name of his running mate pending the Bando Osmeña - Pundok Kauswagan’s survey.

He said he will seek re-election to go after tax evaders.

Osmeña, who is still on his first term, said he needs to finish his fight against tax evasion and to provide innovative programs for his constituents.

But he earlier said he wants to be relieved from his work routine that includes signing vouchers, attending ribbon cutting, and press conferences, among others

“Maybe, I’ll let Margot run. It’s just a thought. The workload of the mayor is very clerical. I want to concentrate on a few things that will require me more attention,” he said.

Margot, who is now on her third and last term as a city councilor, earlier said that at the moment, she has no plans of running for any position come 2019.

“I just want to be a lola. I don’t have plans to run for now and hopefully forever,” she said.

However, the opposition, the Barug Team Rama and Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino- Laban- Cebu City Chapter, does not have any lineup yet.

Team Rama has coalesced with PDP-Laban this year.

Both former mayor Michael Rama and his ally, incumbent vice mayor Edgardo Labella, are open to run for mayor.

But they want only one candidate from the coalition.

Labella, president of PDP-Laban Cebu City Chapter, said the group has not decided yet as to who will be the mayoral bet.

He said the group has many members who are qualified to run for a higher post.

“We still have to meet and to decide on this matter. I could not give specific time (when can we decide about it) because election is still far away. Trabaho usa ta,” he said, adding that a survey will be conducted to determine who will be fielded in the May 2019 elections. (FREEMAN)