OSMEÑA
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Toledo City and Cebu City have been placed under a period of mourning for the death of esteemed politician John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña.
Toledo City has announced a five-day mourning starting today, February 3, 2021, after the former mayor died on Tuesday past 2:45 p.m. at the age of 86.
“The Philippine flag in front of the city hall grounds shall be flown at half-mast today in honor of the late former Senator and Toledo City Mayor John Henry R. Osmena. The city mourns his passing,” said the Toledo City Public Information Office (PIO).
The half-mast will remain for the rest of the mourning period.
Sonny O served as the mayor of Toledo City from 2013 to 2019. He did not run for office in the 2019 elections and opted for party mate, Mayor Marjorie Perales to take the party’s banner.
Perales on her Facebook page honored Sonny O in a message posted on Wednesday.
“Words are not enough to thank you Senator John Henry Osmeña for reshaping Toledo City and tossing it to success. Tinood gyud nga pinangga kami sa Kahitas-an kay sa wala damha gitagaan kami ug Amahan nga sama kanimo.”
“Look at Toledo City now! Amoang dakong garbo ug pasidungog kanimo ang tanan nga kalampusan niining dakbayan. I promise to continue bringing this City to distant heights,” said the incumbent mayor.
The Toledo City PIO said the mourning will be simple as the former senator specifically requested that should he pass on one day, there will be no fanfare.
Cebu City is also mourning the former senator’s death after he served fruitful years in the capital city of Cebu as its councilor, vice mayor, acting mayor, and congressman.
Sonny O served as a councilor in 1963, became the Vice-Mayor in 1968, and was later elected to the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of the city the year after.
He also briefly served as officer-in-charge or acting mayor of Cebu City after the People Power Revolution in 1986.
Mayor Edgardo Labella has issued Executive Order No. 119 placing the city under a period of mourning for three days.
All flags of the city will be placed under half-mast for the mourning of the renowned Cebuano politician.
“Former Senator Sonny Osmeña leaves an enduring legacy in politics and governance in our country, especially in Cebu. His long political life has seen him serve Cebu City, the province, Toledo City, and the entire country in various capacities.”
Sonny belonged to one of Cebu’s most influential political families, being a grandson of the late President Sergio Osmeña Sr., and considered as a seasoned politician.
He was also the brother of former Cebu Governor Emilio Mario “Lito” Osmeña, Jr., and cousins to former Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña III and former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.
Sonny served as a senator for three terms, from 1971 up to 2004. He started his political career as a councilor for Cebu City in 1963 and was also elected as the city’s vice mayor from 1965 to 1969. /rcg