Margot: Tom is affected, stays 'still to calm storm'

“He’s good and fine.”

This is how Cebu City Councilor Margarita Osmeña described her husband, mayor Tomas Osmeña, who was the recent subject of tongue lashing by President Rodrigo Duterte.

While saying that the mayor himself had been affected by the situation, Councilor Margot said they are “still to calm the storm.”

“You know you cannot say naman… dili man ta manhid ba wala maka-affect. It’s how you handle it, right? It’s how you deal with all of these issues, these things that are thrown at you. So, you come out either better or you come out worst, or you can destroy yourself, so it’s a choice you make,” the councilor said.

It has been over 10 days since the mayor held his regular press conference.

Mayor Osmeña said he will answer questions on September 9, which is a thanksgiving day for the City Government for all the approved programs and projects under his administration.

Despite the criticisms, she said the mayor was able to handle the city.

“He loves Cebu, I mean no one can love Cebu more. Put it nalang that way, that’s it,” she added.

Last August 30, Duterte lambasted Osmeña who reportedly told the national government to “leave Cebu alone” and allegedly accused the president of being a drug protector.

Councilor Osmeña said the issues will not end if they will fight it.

“Let things take care of themselves muna. And then you will know what to do, it’s not going to end if you fight the storm, besides he’s (president) not here, he left for Israel,” she added.

She also declined to issue any statement on the online caption contest of a photo of Osmeña and Duterte with a hash tag of “Tomparos.”

Duterte announced that he wants to slap the mayor if they meet during his speech in an event in Mandaue City last week.

Opposition Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia initiated “Tomparos” meme online caption contest.

Garcia said he just wants to hear the thoughts of the public on the “lighter side” of politics.

“I have no comment on that, he’s not worth commenting on,” Councilor Osmeña said.

While saying it’s not fine, she added that Garcia has the right to do what he wants to do.

Councilor Osmeña expressed the family’s gratitude to all supporters of the mayor.

“Thank you, thank you very much. I mean the level of support that has been coming in, even to me, was very unexpected and we’re very grateful. People I haven’t heard from years, you know had texted and giving their support. People I’ve bumped into them and they just stand up and get their support. So, thank you. That’s what keeps you going and of course faith,” she said, adding that the mayor does not want pity from the public. —