People, not politicians, will fuel my victory - Bimbo Fernandez

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City vice mayoralty candidate Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez took in stride former mayor Tomas Osmeña’s pronouncement that the latter will campaign for another candidate and not for him.

Fernandez was the city administrator during Osmeña’s last term as mayor.

Osmeña publicly declared earlier that he will support and campaign for Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan’s candidate for vice mayor, incumbent Association of Barangay Councils president Franklyn Ong.

Ong is the running mate of Tomas’ wife, Margarita “Margot” Osmeña, who is gunning for the top City Hall post.

Even with the declaration, Fernandez said he remains loyal to the Osmeña couple.

“I am very happy to note the clarification of Tommy Osmeña that his campaign against me is not personal,” said Fernandez in a Facebook post.

“I accept that he has to campaign for his official candidate. I am running as an independent to show that my victory is not because of him and other business people,” he added.

Fernandez said that should he succeed in his bid for the vice mayoralty position, he would be indebted to the people who voted for him and not to any politician or businessman.

“With God’s blessing and the support of the people and I succeed, my success will be because of the people who have exercised their gahum isip lungsod-hari. Ang akong utang kabubut-on naa sa katawhan, dili sa mga politiko o negosyante,” he said.

Fernandez said that friendship is not over between him and Tomas.

“While this announcement by Tommy Osmeña may have disheartened a lot of people, especially to many of my supporters, I will always have great respect for Tommy. Our decades-long friendship and partnership can attest to that. I remember how when Tommy returned to Cebu in 1987, I exposed him to various urban poor communities in the City, and have helped him in every election since then. And as we continue to share the same advocacies, especially on helping the poor and the marginalized, I will continue to support him and Margot,” Fernandez recalled.

As to who should lead the City Hall, Fernandez also said that the city, indeed, needs a “mom,” and “Margot is the best choice.”

“Among Mayor Mike (who’s approachable), Dave (who’s a workhorse), Cris Saavedra (who’s a whistleblower against corruption) and Margot, I believe that we do, indeed, need a MOM during these times. I know that Margot is the best choice, having been with the Osmeñas for the past 30 years. With this, I sincerely ask everyone who support my cause to also vote for Margot for the May 2022 elections; even if Tommy publicly asks you not to do so with me. I won’t even mind helping put up signs everywhere to validate that FO (Franklyn Ong) is his candidate, not me,” said Fernandez.

Won’t withdraw

Even without the Osmeñas’ support, Fernandez stood pat on his decision to go on with his candidacy.

“I will not withdraw. Having served and helped the Cebuanos in various capacities in the past 50 years, my track record will speak for itself: That I am not corrupt. I’m not beholden to anyone, other than the people I serve.Walay kwartahay, walay hulgaay, walay Ilaray, walay korap’—this is the advocacy why I’m standing here now, running as Vice-Mayor for Cebu City. I may be running independent, but this fight is not for myself but for the people I continue to help and serve,” he said.

Fernandez believes the Cebuanos are intelligent enough and only want who’s best for the city.

“I like to believe that the Cebuano voters are intelligent. Dili mapalit, dili mailad, dili mahulga, supak sa corruption. To those who dream of a freer democratic process, where our principles and ideals are valued over money, your dreams are valid. This is for you. I see you and I hear you. Ako nagpadayon og salig sa gahum sa katawhan,” ended Fernandez. — JMD (FREEMAN)