Osmeña downplays rift with Archival, says debate is part of democracy

Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has dismissed rumors of a rift with Mayor Nestor Archival, his running mate in the recent elections, saying differing opinions are normal in governance and should not be taken personally.

- - Iris Hazel Mascardo/FPL

This came after Osmeña made emotional remarks expressing that he felt betrayed by the silence of Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) councilors—including Archival—during the final deliberation and approval of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, which drew backlash from vendors and urban poor advocates.

In a press conference on Monday, Osmeña clarified his position, stating that while people often call for unity in leadership, he does not subscribe to that view. He warned that a collective stance in governance could breed authoritarianism.

"Elections means fighting with each other," Osmeña said. "That is democracy. Do you want democracy? Or you want unity, ako I don't like unity."

He argued that democracy thrives on the clash of ideas and that disagreement should not be feared.