A wrong move for Barug Team Rama

The opposition has once again questioned the educational background of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña in the latest offensive launched by the Barug Team Rama as the local political scene is starting to heat up.

Recently, it has been the favorite pastime of former mayor Michael Rama and Councilor Joel Garganera to attack Osmeña over his alleged lack of an educational attainment, urging the mayor to produce his college diploma.

Osmeña had said he finished Agricultural Economics from the Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro City. But the mayor did not show any proof, only telling his political opponents to inquire with the school it they really want to know the truth.

Cebuanos cannot blame the opposition for casting doubt on Osmeña's educational background. It's a valid issue considering the fact that Osmeña is their mayor and, as a public official, they have the right to know some pieces of information surrounding his personal life.

Now the issue has become a political tool the opposition members are using against the mayor and the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan as they start to prepare for the great mayoralty battle in next year's midterm election.

However, as to whether the issue would click and translate into votes for the opposition in May 2019 remains to be seen. This is because as far as the country's political system is concerned, winning in election does not really depend on the candidate's qualifications but on his capacity to wage a sustainable campaign built on financial stability.

The opposition should learn from the case of Manny Pacquiao. We all know that the senator lacks the education that would equip him with the knowledge in his duty to craft laws. But because of his huge political machinery, he easily grabbed a Senate seat.

To continue dwelling on Osmeña's educational attainment as a political tool won't bring the opposition anywhere. If Rama and the rest of the opposition really want to beat Osmeña in the next election, they need to be financially armed.