IBP Cebu City: Today’s debate, a game changer

Reelectionist Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña (left) and his opponent in the mayoralty race, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, are expected to face off in a debate moderated by the IBP Cebu City on Friday, May 10, 2019. |CDN Digital

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Lawyer Regal Oliva, the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu City Chapter, said that the debate between the mayoral candidates of Cebu City scheduled Friday afternoon, May 10, 2019, is a game changer for the upcoming May 13 midterm elections.

Oliva said that the debate is ever more relevant because it is held just three days before the elections and it will be the last major discussion between the candidates.

“Anything before May 13 is relevant because the voters between now and then can change their votes,” said Oliva. 

The debates will pit reelectionist Mayor Tomas Osmeña of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan, and Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, the standard bearer of Partido Barug-PDP Laban.

Oliva said the much awaited debate may be the determining factor on who will sit as the chief executive of Cebu City after the elections.

Read more: Labella assures IBP: I will show up on May 10 debate with Osmeña

Osmeña and Labella are expected to answer questions on the various pressing issues in the city including but not limited to garbage, traffic, transportation, and communication.

They are also allowed to ask their rival up to 5 questions each and they are given 5 minutes to answer each question with a 2-minute rebuttal.

Oliva said they are hoping that both candidates will be present this afternoon at the Cebu City Sports Club as the debate has been moved twice already.

Read more: Labella sought postponement of IBP debate to see Duterte at Malacañang Palace

The first time it was moved was from April 22 to May 6 upon the decision of the IBP in respect to the Holy Week. 

The second time was upon the request of Labella, who went to see President Rodrigo Duterte jn Manila on May 6, moving the debate to May 10.

Read more: Tom O., Labella debate moved to May 6

Oliva said that if one of the candidates fails to appear during the debates later, they will push through with a forum with whoever is present.

“That will be the advantage of the candidate who will present during the debate, if the other candidate fails to be there,” she said.

Oliva hopes that after listening to the ideas and plans of the mayoral candidates of the city during the debate, Cebuanos can choose wisely who to vote for in Monday’s elections. /bmjo