Osmeña needs young blood

The midterm election is still 10 months away but politicians across the country are already positioning themselves for the May 2019 electoral showdown. They are now starting to explore the possibility of coalescing with other parties to strengthen their bid.

Many, especially those incumbent officials, are now training their sights on those who have potential to help boost their chance of winning. For them, it is important that winnable personalities get the chance to join their ticket.

In Cebu City, for instance, Mayor Tomas Osmeña seems torn between councilors Dave Tumulak and Mary Ann Delos Santos. He considers the two as having high chances to win the vice mayoralty post.

Osmeña praised Tumulak, saying the councilor has been performing well in his duties. Aside from heading the committee on public order and safety at the City Council, Tumulak is also the deputy mayors for police matters.

The mayor also hailed Delos Santos, his former political opponent for mayor when she was the barangay captain of Lahug, for doing a good job as deputy mayor for health. Delos Santos -chairwoman of the City Council committee on health, hospital services and sanitation- has been overseeing the construction of the new Cebu City Medical Center.

As he gave city residents a glimpse of who he wants as his possible running mate next year, Osmeña seems firm in his choice to pick only between Tumulak and Delos Santos. However, his decision is still subject for discussion by members of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan.

Between Tumulak and Delos Santos, both former barangay captains, the former has the charisma. Tumulak is more visible and is more approachable. But Delos Santos comes from one of the city's largest barangays in terms of population, something Osmeña should also consider.

As we wait for his decision, Osmeña seems to be heading in the right direction considering the fact that he needs a young blood as running mate to pump more vigor into his reelection bid.