Tom backs Mary Ann

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña is throwing his support behind City Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos and not with incumbent Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar as Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan’s (BOPK) candidate for the north district congressional seat.

This, as he also expressed support for the return of former city councilor and south district representative Bebot Abellanosa for the south district congressional seat.

 “We are consulting the group right now and the consensus is towards Mary Ann (de los Santos),” he told a press conference at Casino Español last Thursday.

Another source, who is part of BOPK, also confirmed this to The Freeman.

Aside from their group’s sentiment, however, Osmeña bluntly said he does not like Cutie, accusing her of being unable to connect with the people.

“I don’t like Cutie because she doesn’t visit…. Mauwaw gyud ta sa mga tawo. You are a congresswoman and you do not visit? The people deserve more,” he said.

He said he has high regard for the late congressman Raul del Mar but could not say the same for his daughter.

“I respect the father, Raul del Mar…not Cutie del Mar. Dako kaayo’g deperensiya,” he said.

Cutie first ran and won under BOPK as north district representative in 2010, defeating seven others, including de los Santos, who was then the Lahug, Cebu City barangay captain.

Still under BOPK, Cutie ran again for the same position in 2022 and won, defeating four others, including actor Richard Yap and then city councilor Niña Mabatid.

Prior to the said elections, then house speaker and Marinduque representative Lord Allan Velasco was named as Cebu City north district caretaker, following the passing of congressman Raul Del Mar on Nov. 16, 2020.

Meanwhile, Osmeña also said that he is going to support Bebot Abellanosa’s return bid as south district representative, saying Abellanosa has a very good chance of winning again.

Asked if he has not instead considered Abellanosa as BOPK’s mayoralty candidate, Osmeña said Abellanosa is “weak” in the north district, which is incumbent City Councilor Nestor Archival’s bailiwick, while he (Osmeña) can help Archival in the south district.

Osmeña is pushing for Archival as BOPK’s candidate for mayor. Should Archival accept, Osmeña said, he would run for vice mayor, but would not if Archival would beg off.

“Bahala na’g walay lineup. Important thing is Archival is the mayor…The most important thing is the mayor. If he runs then I will run and make a difference. If not, I’m not going to waste my time,” Osmeña said.  (CEBU NEWS)