Return of Lito O

THE political “comeback” of former governor Lito Osmeña in Cebu signals the entry into the province of a new norm, as well perhaps of a new conduct, of elections. Mark that in announcing his reentry into Cebu politics, he did not talk about money. Instead, he mentioned political objectives.

He said he was going to give the Cebuanos two things outright, or two projects that were openly talked about but were never quite attained. These are the realization of the Trans-axial Highway and the construction of a freeway in Metro Cebu to solve its traffic problem.

Osmeña said that if he wins, he will implement both projects i mmediately with no cash out from any agency of the government. He will opt for a private sector-financed project.

Osmeña added that he has no regrets having gone out of his way in helping other people in the past elections. They were good and honest people, he said. He had asked some of them, who are his friends, to run with him. But they had turned him down, perhaps because they have their own personal plans. But they are all good and honest people, he noted.

How should the former governor solve the problem? The man who is hunting now for a political partner no doubt can find a way to overcome it. He has done that may times before.

He would not say if he could realize his flagship projects. But he was once presidential economic adviser of former president Fidel Ramos in the nineties.

During Lito’s stint as governor from 1988 to 1992, he was considered the true architect of “Ceboom,” otherwise known as Cebu’s economic boom, transforming genuinely a once sleepy province into an economic hub.

He also helped create the Cebu Business Park and established the Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp. that owns the site where the Cebu IT Park now stands.

There is only one weakness that the Lito O I knew has. And that is, once one has won his trust, one has it. And if one loses that trust, it is very difficult to regain it. He likes a truthful and honest man.

Likewise, once you have given your word to him, be sure that your bound to it and stay bound forever.