Lito O’s surprise

Former Cebu governor Lito Osmeña confirmed  that he would  run again for the governorship next year.

His announcement has shaken up what seemed like a predictable race between the incumbent Liberal Party tenant in the Capitol, Junjun Davide and his potential challenger, Gwen Garcia on comeback mode.

Lito’s announcement   can’t  be brushed aside by  his successors or those too young to remember what he did for the province.   He has his own wealth to bank on for a campaign and a vision of aprogressive Cebu that thumbs its nose at “Imperial Manila”, something  that could attract those who had drifted to other camps.

What would make a man his stature, with a legacy secured by the “Ceboom” years in the 1990s, come out of retirement again, and after three unsuccessful runs for the presidency, the vice presidency and a Senate seat?  At

There’s more than meets the eye than his statements about unfufilled projects.

Lito O was one of those who helped  push Davide, who was then a contented Cebu city councilor,  to run for governor.  He had to convince his cousin, then Mayor  Tomas, to let go of his no. 1 councilor and field him in the province for a bruising first run against Gwen Garcia.  It took a second bid to wrest control from the Garcia clan.

Somewhere in the political grapevine, a message has been sent that the real challenge for the Capitol will come from a Durano.

While Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who keeps a high-stamina pace of work iat 73,  repeatedly denies it, the perception remains that she or a clan member will run.

That perception seems more viable with former Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, who has youth going for him, as well as  experience in Congress and Malacanang,  and  a reputation as an action-oriented executive. It also helps that Ace’s  government stint is untainted by any corruption case, which is the big negative that keeps potential allies of Garcia from declaring support for her this early.
The final decision will come from his father, former congressman Ramonito Durano. One word from  the clan’s patriarch will decide this.

While the Duranos are not 100 percent united, they remain the force to contend with in the 5th district.

Could Lito O’s surprise announcement have something to do with historic political battles between the Osmeñas and Duranos, and a  repugnance to allowing  the Capitol to be “captured” by a Durano?

The year 2016 is indeed a ripe moment for a gubernatorial bid  for the Duranos.   They have kinfolk spread in the Provincial Board and a direct line to Malacañang through Secretary Rene Almendras.
The governorship is one position lacking in the clan’s trophy case.

“I have not seen even a fraction of my vision (carried out) from all those who succeeded me, more importantly, those who I helped in the succession,” said Lito Osmeña in an interview at his Busay residence. If he’s not happy with Governor Davide’s  performance, is he throwing himself in the ring to keep it out of the hands of the next alternative?