Lito Osmeña in a visit to CDN’s newsroom in 2010, when he ran for senator.
The man who made Cebu province known as “Ceboom” in the 1990s set off political speculation by transfering his voter’s registration yesterday from Cebu City to Balamban town in the 3rd district.
Emilio “Lito” Osmeña confirmed the transfer but said it was done mainly for “convenience” because it was difficult to climb the stairs in his former polling precinct in barangay Malubog, Cebu City.
Asked if he was running for office in 2016, the 76-year-old businessman replied, laughing: “That is an option which is open to all Filipino citizens.”
From other sources, it was learned that Osmeña, 76, is entertaining the idea of running again for Cebu governor.
But that would first require surveys to find out if his candidacy is viable. And if the surveys show positive feedback?
“Why not?” replied the former governor. He said it was a question of “if I am needed and wanted.”
Osmeña said several people from Balamban, including elder brother Toledo City Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña, have asked him to run for Balamban mayor.
But some people outside Balamban are also asking him to run for governor, he said.
Lito recalled that elder brother Sonny won in Toledo City in 2013 even without the support of barangay officials because “the people are now educated” in choosing leaders.
Lito made light of his new voter’s registration, saying he failed to vote in the last election because of the location of his precinct.
“Tag-as kaayo ang ang-ang sa hagdan. Wa ko makasaka (The stairs were so steep. I wasn’t able go up.),” he said.
His new voter’s precinct in barangay Duangan, Balamban town is located just behind his residence.
“My main reason is for my convenience,” he said.