CEBU City’s opposition bloc, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), will support the presidential run of Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo in next year’s elections.
In a statement, BOPK’s founder and former Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña said they decided to choose Robredo because they like leaders who “listen and respond.”
“Leni leads the pack as the best choice. Pacquiao and Ping are also good choices. Bong Go is a poor choice and Marcos, the worst choice,” Osmeña said.
He added that Robredo was instrumental in petitioning the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to create special voting precincts for 100,000 call center agents who work in Cebu City.
Osmeña said there was a need to provide a special voting precinct for Cebu City’s call centers as their working hours and commuting prevent them from voting.
Osmeña, however, has not disclosed their choice for vice presidential candidate and their list of senatorial candidates to support.
BOPK’s move to endorse Robredo is not unexpected.
Osmeña and BOPK are known supporters of the Liberal Party, of which Robredo is the chairperson.
During the 2016 presidential elections, BOPK supported the candidacy of former senator and then Liberal Party standard bearer Mar Roxas for President and Robredo for Vice President.
During the 2013 elections, BOPK also supported the presidential bid of Benigno Simeon “PNoy” Aquino III.
Osmeña’s wife and former Cebu City councilor Margot Osmeña will serve as BOPK’s standard-bearer and will face Mayor Michael Rama of Partido Barug in the 2022 polls.
Earlier this month, Rama’s group announced that they will support the presidential bid of Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio for Vice President.
Rama’s group will also support the senatorial bids of President Rodrigo Duterte, former Vice President Jejomar Binay and former Palace spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.