Ruiz endorses candidates from opposing parties

Local

CEBU City mayoral candidate Yogi Filemon Ruiz endorsed the vice and congressional bets of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) during his miting de avance on Wednesday, May 7.

Ruiz, who is running under Partido Cebuano, declared his support for former mayor Tomas Osmeña for vice mayor, and congressional aspirants Mary Ann de los Santos in the North District and Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa in the South District.

The former Bureau of Customs Commissioner explained that the decision came after internal consultations and surveys within his group, which showed shared goals with the BOPK candidates.

Ruiz said his group aligned with BOPK’s vision for governance, particularly in addressing the challenges facing Cebu City.

Ruiz emphasized that the endorsement was not rooted in traditional political alliances, but in common priorities for development.

Despite ranking fourth in surveys, he claimed his large campaign rallies reflected strong public support and asserted that many residents were eager for new leadership.

Throughout his campaign, Ruiz highlighted persistent political divisions as one of the root causes of the city’s stagnation, citing two years of listening tours across communities.

He promised to address public concerns through inclusive and responsive governance.

Speaking before the crowd, Ruiz made a bold commitment regarding the stalled Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

“We will finish CCMC, and we will make its services free for all," he said in Cebuano, while pointing at the hospital located beside the venue of his rally.

He also criticized the current administration’s move to privatize the Carbon Public Market, describing it as a loss of a vital public space to corporate interests.(MyTVCebu)