The Freeman’s Editorial, October 12, 1967 (Part 2)

The pugilists of the debate were Rene Espina, incumbent governor of Cebu, and his adversary, Senator Sergio “Serging” Chiong Veloso Osmeña Jr.

Espina, was a Bar topnotcher who was admitted to the Bar on January 22, 1955 and became the youngest administrator of the Social Security System and elected governor of Cebu on November 12, 1963. He was running for reelection on November 14, 1967.

Serging Osmeña Jr., son and namesake of the Grand Old Man of Cebu, the Only Cebuano President. Serging was elected governor of Cebu in 1951 defeating incumbent Governor Doc Manuel Cuenco. Serging became the first elected Cebu City mayor and holds the distinction of being the only Cebuano who became governor, Cebu City mayor, congressman, and senator.

Here is the continuation of the editorial 51 years ago:

“Look at this way. As decent citizens of this province, we have our integrity and honor to protect and uphold before the eyes of the nation and the world at large. We would like them to believe that here in the province of Cebu, we are choosing between two ideas of government to guide our destinies proposed by two candidates for public service whose fitness is beyond question. We may sound idealistic but we feel its high time that we be should be so again because we fear that the forthcoming debate will be nothing more than character assassination-as usual. The only unusual aspect about it is that for the first time, with our tacit sanction, we allow our candidates to do so face to face. Then after they will have smeared each other’s name with dirty things, we will for sure for one of them to victory. Whereas before we could console ourselves that all their recrimination were nothing but challenges which have to be taken with a grain of salt, with what shall we console ourselves then?

“Shouldn’t it be that we propose another resolution for this debate and leave the judgment of fitness to each one of us?

“Have it your own way, but this much we say. Isn’t it sheer stupidity for one to cast one’s vote for someone who capitalizes on it for personal glory? Shall one vote for someone who cannot even wear a mask of devotion to public service for us Cebuanos, much less have it in his heart? Only you can answer.”

The editorial of the famous, Espina-Osmeña debate was written by Jose “Dodong” Rivera Gullas, who was the publisher and editor at that time, presently its chairman. Espina was reelected governor and Senator Osmeña won as mayor of Cebu City in his comeback bid on November 14, 1967.