11/05/2019
A Letter to MAYOR TOMMY from a MILLENNIAL
Dear Mayor Tommy,
I hope you allow a millennial like me to be bold enough to write to you.
I watched the IBP debates yesterday, and walked out of the hall with a heavy heart. You looked frail and old, and could barely stand on stage, like a man about to ride into the sunset. When asked about your accomplishments, you sounded like my grandfather after a bottle of whiskey recalling past glories. Every achievement you mentioned from typhoon Ruping to your TOYM Award happened about the same time I was crawling around in my diapers. You had nothing recent to show, no tangible action plan or a vision we could hold on to. In fact, the SRP you always gloat over would have been a smart and green mini-city in other countries by now.
When asked about the high incidence of HIV in the city, you talked about what you did for the LGBT community, as if the disease was confined to them. When asked about flooding, you clearly revealed your ignorance about how drainage works. My grade school teacher even knows water must eventually flow into the sea. And as long as our rivers are clogged, no drainage plan will function. I took pity on you everytime you had a question repeated, when you raised the microphone instead of the “yes” or “no” sign, when you had to sit instead of stand through the questions. But I knew you were no longer in your right mind when you asked people to leave Cebu if they couldn’t stand the flooding, traffic and housing problem.
I don’t know Vice Mayor Labella, but I know what I saw in that debate. He looked alert. His answers were clear and concise. He did not give neutral and popular answers like you, but answered with conviction. Like a good follower, he kept within the time, and like a good leader, he admonished you to follow instructions. These are the traits of a person I want to entrust my city with. When asked by reporters why he didn’t bring up the issue of your illegal gambling and the other charges you face with the Ombudsman, he timidly admitted, “Maluoy ko.” He let you off easy because of his respect for you.
How are you going to lead Cebu for the next 3 years? The President has made known his dislike for you. You caused a divide between you and the police. You attack heads of government agencies who question your projects. You cannot work with the provincial government or anyone who is not aligned with your interests. I don’t know if Vice Mayor Labella will make good on his promise of an inclusive government. But at least he has that option. You don’t.
Mayor Tommy, you led Cebu for 30 years and are loved by many including me. By staying for another year more, you are telling us that Cebu cannot produce good leaders. 30 years ago, when you arrived without a job from the USA, we gave you a chance. Now it’s time to give that chance to someone else. In that debate, you showed us the real Tommy Osmena, a stark contrast to your Facebook persona. You are no longer well. With your condition, you should retire, spend the remaining years mending relationships and reflect on what you did for your fellowmen. You owe it to yourself and all of us Cebuanos.
For a better Cebu,
Christine E. Cruz
