Tomas backing out of congressional race; He denies reports

CEBU, Philippines —  Is former mayor and congressman Tomas Osmeña withdrawing from the congressional race in Cebu City’s South District?

A source told The Freeman that Osmeña has already signed a letter of withdrawal, which only needed to be submitted before the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Sources from Osmeña’s group, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), also said that Osmeña will be replaced by BG Abellanosa, the son of Cebu City Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa. BG is a mathematician.

Osmeña will reportedly join Rodrigo as campaign manager leading to 2022.

In a text message to The Freeman, Osmeña denied the report. “I have no plans of withdrawing,” he said.

He did not respond to a question on changes in BOPK’s line-up. Substitution of candidates is allowed until November 15, 2021 provided that the substitute candidate belongs to the same political group as that of the withdrawing candidate. Independent candidates cannot be substituted.

The Freeman also tried to contact Rodrigo for comment but to no avail.

Reports on Osmeña stepping aside came following reports of him and Councilor Edu Rama facing off in the South District after another congressional aspirant, Michael Bantasan, withdrew his certificate of candidacy.

As of Wednesday, November 11, only Bantasan has withdrawn from the race in the city, said election assistant Omar Mamalinta. — JMO (FREEMAN)