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Just call him Tom

The Freeman

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July 04, 2025

On his return to public service, Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants to ban his photo from being displayed inside City Hall, stating that this will be one of his basic rules.

No office in City Hall will be allowed to hang his photos.

He said whenever he sees a picture of the mayor alongside national officials like the president, it comes across as showing off.

"What's the message? I'm a big shot, I don't like that," said Osmeña.

He emphasized that under his leadership, there will be no sacred cows and nobody will be allowed to use his name to gain an advantage. In addition, Osmeña is now implementing a practice where nobody is allowed to call him "mayor", "vice", or "sir."

"Just call me Tommy, they'll get used to it," said Osmeña.

He further explained that he wants to break the tradition and stereotype among top officials or politicians, adding that he simply wants to fulfill his role as a public servant.

"I am the same as anyone," said Osmeña, "I do not like people who makes sipsip."

Now that he is back in office, Osmeña said he will contribute to putting the "mess" of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) back in order, but also voiced skepticism about converting the project into a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

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