Cordial encounter between Mike, Tom

CEBU, Philippines —  A Christmas party for children in Barangay Punta Princesa has brought together Mayor Michael Rama and his political mentor-turned nemesis, former mayor Tomas Osmeña, over the weekend.

The chance encounter was cordial with the two reportedly exchanging pleasantries. Rama said his meeting with Osmeña was unexpected but admitted it was something he had been looking forward to.

“Naay Christmas party sa mga bata…When I arrived didto sa Punta Princesa…si Margot nag-estorya…then I was told by my staff, naa si Tommy Osmena diha! Ingon ko ..what’s wrong? I ended up seated with Tommy,” Rama said.

The mayor said he praised God for the opportunity to have met, albeit brief, his former political ally.

“We had a quick discussion…Kumusta, pila na edad nimo…Ako sad siya gi-sharan naa na koy bag-ong asawa…tunga sa akong edad…naa na pud koy anak, two years-and 4-months old,” Rama said.

According to Rama, he would have wanted Osmeña to deliver a speech during the event but the latter declined.

“It was really for me, a fulfilled thing that I look forward to,” he added.

Rama did not anymore elaborate if he and Margot were also able to talk during the brief encounter. But he said there is no point in keeping bitterness and vengeance.

Rama defeated Margot in the last elections but the latter has filed an election protest now pending before the Commission on Elections. The mayor said he had moved on from the last political exercise and that he sees no reason to be quarreling.

“What is there to be quarreling…What is there to be keeping bitterness and vengeance…What is there to develop rancor?” Rama asked.

What is important, according to Rama, is to live a legacy. In fact, he had been crediting Osmena on many occasions and even told other political leaders to thank him as well for all that he did for Cebu City.

“We don’t own this world…One day each of us will be out…What is important is LAL…leaving a legacy,” Rama said. — FPL (FREEMAN)