Tommy, Edu showdown in Cebu City South District

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City South District congressional battle next year will be left between former mayor Tomas Osmeña, of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), and incumbent Councilor Eduardo Rama, Jr., of Barug-PDP Laban, after the third aspirant has withdrawn from the race.

Michael Deroda Bantasan, of the National Unity Party (NUP), withdrew his COC on October 11, 2011.

“So far nakadawat ta’g statement of withdrawal from one aspirant. No substitution,” said election assistant Omar Mamalinta.

Bantasan provided no reason for his withdrawal from the race and did not also nominate somebody as his substitute.

"Wala may gi-state na reason for the withdrawal, but then ang gi-require nato is ang name sa withdrawal; withdrawing position applied for and nominating political party and kung naa bay substitution if any,” said Mamalinta.

Substitution, however, is allowed until November 15, 2021 provided that a substitute candidate belongs to the same party with that of the withdrawing candidate. Independent candidates cannot be substituted. — Decemay P. Padilla, FPL (FREEMAN)