Netizens weigh in on Duterte-Osmeña feud

President Rodrigo Duterte’s tirade against Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña during his visit in Cebu last Thursday night got mixed reactions from netizens.

Less than 24 hours after the President delivered his speech during Mandaue City’s 49th Charter Day celebration, the mayor’s supporters created a Facebook page named “Cebu City Stands With Mayor Tommy Osmeña.”

As of press time, the page was followed and liked by more than 300 users.

Some of the mayor’s supporters also changed their profile picture in Facebook with that of Osmeña and used #iStandWithMayorTommy.

Duterte castigated Osmeña for allegedly implying that he the President is a protector of the illegal drug trade, for Osmeña’s “hubris” and for acting like Osmeña owned Cebu.

The mayor, though, said that there’s different side to the story and not just what Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino, Police Regional Office 7 or former mayor Michael Rama are telling him.

Facebook user Rogelson Getaruelas said that Duterte, being a lawyer who is occupying the highest seat of the government, should be fair and not only listen to the people surrounding him.

“I highly respect Mr. President, but (Osmeña) have shown endless help. Quoting you when you said ‘he (Osmeña) does not own Cebu’ is likewise saying you do not own (the) Philippines,” she said.

Gin Tall, on the other hand, said Osmeña does not own Cebu City but “he is a visionary leader who turns visions into reality.”

Another Facebook user Junah Babatuan Abellanosa said that what Duterte’s people are telling him does not carry the voice of the Cebuanos.

“With all due respect Mr. President, we don’t share your sentiEfforts

ments. I hope you will spare some time to talk to ordinary people. Reach out to the public...Set political agenda aside and before you point your fingers, make sure your own hands are clean,” she said.

Abby Cosep, for his part, backs Duterte’s pronouncements.

“Ma-feel gyud nako nga feeling tag-iya si Tommy sa Cebu. Ako, taga-Cebu ko since pagka-bata. Feel gyud nako nga feeling hari-hari siya diri,” he said in the comment section of a video clip of Duterte’s speech that was posted online.

“Wa jud ko masayop sa akong nakita sa kinaiya ni Tomas nga naanad nga hawod ang iyang pamaagi bisag sayop,” said another Facebook user Rainer Sag.

Some of the netizens urged the two officials not to fight and focus on doing what’s best for Cebu and the country. /