Mayor gives pep talk in live feed from US

SHOWING himself to the public for the first time since going to the United States in November for chemotherapy, Mayor Tomas Osmena last night assured Cebuanos he is “getting better” and will back in Cebu City “very soon.”

Addressing the Sinulog crowd at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) grandstand in a teleconference, the mayor also announced the City Government had a surplus of P250.7 million last year.

He said he will have the amount used to fulfill the promise he made last year to senior citizens, that the City will give each P1,000 for their birthday and another P1,000 as Christmas gift.

Only registered voters of Cebu City will qualify for the cash.

In a press conference about seven hours before his speech, the mayor said that given the City’s surplus, City Hall and the Sinulog organizers don’t need the Province’s P2-million financial aid for the grand parade.

But he said he will let the Sinulog Foundation decide whether to return the assistance or keep it. (more)