Tomas and Margot Osmeña blow their birthday candles during a celebration with political allies in a hotel in Cebu City. (CDN PHOTO/ LITO TECSON)
They may be fewer now, but Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) allies showed on Friday night that they remain a force to be reckoned with in Cebu City.
Close to 20 barangay officials posed with former mayor Tomas Osmeña and Councilor Margot Osmeña for a souvenir photograph during the couple’s birthday party held at the Harold’s Hotel ballroom.
The city’s 80 barangay captains are mostly affiliated with Mayor Michael Rama, who has openly expressed displeasure about village leaders who don’t support his projects.
Rama’s possible ire didn’t bother those who showed up for the birthday bash of Tomas, who turned 67 yesterday, and Margot who celebrated her 65th on Friday.
Among those in the picture were barangay captains Pancho Ramirez (Sto Nino), Jesselou Cadungog (Tejero), Rey Ompoc (Mabolo), Michael Gacasan (Guadalupe), and barangay councilors Franklyn Ong (Kasambagan), Celestino Avila (Kamagayan) and Lorenzo Basamot (Camputhaw).
“Ngano mahadlok man ko nga identified ma jud ko sa BOPK (Why would I be afraid when I’ve always been identified with BO-PK?)” asked Ramirez.
Ramirez said that he made it clear to Mayor Rama that he is ready to support his programs but remains a member of BO-PK.
Avila of barangay Kamagayan said he was confiident that BO-PK would win back the city’s leadership in the 2016 election.
“Nganong mahadlok man ko nga bawion man ni namo sa 2016?” he said.
Councilor Margot Osmeña said some allied barangay captains begged off attending the party “but I respect their reasons” and that they cooperate with the Rama administration to ensure they get projects.
“We understand that and we do not fault them for doing that” she said.
Allies were asking former mayor Osmeña to return to City Hall, but the BO-PK leader only smiled.
“It is obvious that people are not satisfied. They are looking for direction,” Osmeña said in an interview.
Asked if he planned to challenge Mayor Rama to another rematch in 2016 Osmeña said “no” but allies believe he will run again.
“Kumpyansa lang gyud kaayo siya (Osmeña) adtong election. Sa sunod election ato na ning bawion,” said Ompoc of barangay Mabolo.
Friday night’s birthday party was like a reunion of Type O supporters.
BO-PK prepared about 130 roasted pigs or lechon for the gathering.
One lechon each was earlier sent to the 80 barangays of the city at lunch. The rest were served in the hotel ballroom.
Guests who attended included some City Hall department heads who continue to support the former mayor, vice preisdent Tristan Las Marias of Filinvest, and police officials led by Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr., police deputy director general.