Osmeña stands behind Roxas: Bahala na low ratings, support him

YELLOW, blue and white colors filled the ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug for the birthday party of former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña and his wife, Councilor Margot Osmeña.

Before the night was over, the  former mayor endorsed Interior Secretary Mar Roxas for president under the Liberal Party (LP).

“Bahala na ug minus siya ug ratings.  He is good for us.  Let us help him,” Osmeña told a cheering crowd of supporters of the Bando Osmeña- Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK).

Roxas was supposed to attend last night’s celebration in Cebu, said Osmeña,  but chose to stay in Manila to prepare for today’s official announcement that he would be  LP’s standard bearer in 2016.

Osmeña turned 67 on July 26 while Margot turned 66 a day earlier.

Last night’s  dinner celebration was full of songs and entertainment  for a crowd of over 2,000 supporters in yellow, blue and white T-shirts.

Guests included Consolacion town Mayor Teresa Alegado, Provincial Board (PB) Member Alex Binghay and Sen. Sonny Angara.

The senator said he flew in just to greet the Osmeña couple on their birthday.

He and Tommy, a former congressman, had  served in the congressional appropriations committee.

Angara said his father, former senator Edgardo Angara, introduced him to Osmeña and described the former Cebu city  mayor as “a man of good character and a good friend.”

Also present during the event were Rep. Raul del Mar of Cebu’s north district and Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s south district.

Appreciation

A singer, during a performance, asked the celebrant to “return” to Cebu City Hall.

A video presentation showed testimonies of people  thanking the Osmeña couple for help given in their  personal capacity.

Four scholars whom Osmeña helped finish their college education were in tears as they recounted their stories and thanked him.

In his message, Osmeña said last night’s gathering was the best birthday he ever had.

He asked supporters to do away with sowing political intrigues and instead focus on what is good for the barangays and the city.

“Salamat kaayo sa tanan (Thank you all) because you have not given up on me,” he said.

Congressman del Mar called his  long-time ally “the best mayor Cebu City ever had” and , said the north district is ready to support his candidacy next year.

“We are ready any time.  I challenge the south district magpadakuay ta ug mayoriya para kang Tommy,” he said.

Wife Margot went on stage  to sing “Through the Years” for her husband.

Everyone in the ballroom then stood  up and held hands as they sang a Visayan version of the song “Magkaisa” while members of the Osmeña family were on stage.