Tom admits “courting” opposition to join BOPK

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña admitted that his camp, the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), is "courting" people from the opposition, just to gain the majority bloc in the City Council.

"We're tempted to get one more just to get the balance... I don't like to discuss this matter because we're not going to show our hands but because we are to get one more," Osmeña said.

The mayor did not confirm nor deny whether they are really talking to Association of Barangay Councils Head Philip Zafra, who is from the Barug Team Rama, to join their party.

"He maybe one of those. I don't know," he said.

The BOPK camp needs to get the majority bloc, so that they can pass their programs and projects in the city council.

However, Osmeña preferred not to mention what are these projects in his administration.

"They're blocking our programs, so I feel obligated to see where we are going to implement out programs and Team Rama is blocking it," he said.

At present, the City Council's standing is at 8-8 wherein both camps have the same number of members.

Councilors who are affiliated with BOPK are Margarita "Margot" Osmeña, Sisinio Andales, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Jerry Guardo, Alvin Arcilla, Mary Ann Delos Santos, Joy Augustus Young and David Tumulak.

Aside from Zafra, Barug Team Rama councilors include Raymond Alvin Garcia, Jose Daluz III, Joel Garganera, Renato "Junjun" Osmeña Jr., Jocelyn Pesquera, Eduardo Rama Jr. and Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr.