Cuenco declines 2025 poll invite to run, plans to retire

Cebu City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco begged off from the invitation of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to be in his lineup for the 2025 polls, adding that he will no longer be running for any position.

Earlier, Rama revealed his lineup for the 2025 elections. He included Cuenco in his slate despite their opposing views on the construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT).

Cuenco yesterday told reporters that although he was grateful for the consideration of Rama he already declined, saying that he is now leaning toward retirement.

“I thank the mayor for his continued trust and confidence in me but I would like to respectfully beg off from including myself in the ticket. I have decided that although this is my second first term, I have decided to retire from politics,” said Cuenco.

Cuenco is a direct descendant of the first mayor of Cebu City, Mariano Jesus Diosomito Cuenco, and a member of one of the prominent politician clans in the city.

He said he wants to spend more time with his family as he is not getting any younger.

Cuenco further admitted that for the past several months, the political scene in the city has been “stressful” for him and he doesn’t want it to take a toll on his health.

It was reported that Cuenco joined discussions on the CBRT project following his open opposition to the project and even initiated a resolution to halt the civil works of CBRT phases 2 and 3 following the issues around them.

Both Rama and former mayor Tomas Osmeña reacted to his stance and also indicated their opposition to his opinion.

“It is better na sayo pa lang molikay nalang ta but even if I am no longer in public service, no longer in the government, our family for the longest time, nagsilbi man, and we will always treasure the memories with our people, and we will continue help in whatever capacity,” said Cuenco.

Cueno clarified that even before the recent issues he had already considered retiring from politics. However, he admitted that the recent political scene “fortified” his decisions adding that he would not want to be in between the conflicts. –