John Osmeña, former senator and Toledo mayor, dies

Former Senator John Henry Osmeña died on Tuesday afternoon, his sister has said. 

In a statement, Annie Osmeña-Aboitiz said the former Toledo City mayor died at 2:45 p.m. at the Maryville Condominium.

His remains were immediately cremated.

"Schedule of Holy Masses through zoom will be announced soon," Aboitiz said.

He was the grandson of former President Sergio Osmeña, the brother of former Cebu Governor Emilio Osmeña, and the cousin of former Senator Sergio Osmeña III and former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Ferliza Calizar Contratista, Sonny Osmeña's media consultant and Toledo City Community Affairs and Development head, said the former senator was diagnosed with stage 2 colon cancer in July 2019. He underwent chemotherapy and responded well to treatment.

In June 2020, he tested positive and recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Osmeña remained active as he attended celebrations in Toledo, including the launching of Pasko sa Toledo and the gathering with his staff on the 24th of December 2020.

The Senator was hospitalized January 9 and was discharged January 16 by his doctor, nephew Dr Justin Osmena.

He turned 86 last January 17, 2021.

He is survived by son John Gregory Osmena, grandsons, sister Annie  Osmena Aboitiz, brother Gov Lito Osmeña.

A senator for three terms, John "Sonny" Osmeña is credited with the creation of the Department of Energy after his Senate bill was signed into law in 1992 by then President Fidel Ramos.

He started out as Cebu City councilor in 1963 before becoming vice mayor in 1968 then he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1969.

Osmeña was also named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in 1970 for his government service.

During the regime of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, Osmeña’s legs were injured in an attack during the Liberal Party’s miting de avance on Plaza Miranda.

He was elected to the Senate in 1971 but went on exile in the United States after Marcos declared martial law.

Osmeña would hold office as senator and congressman several more times in the following years.

The former senator was born on January 17, 1935. -Julia Mari Ornedo/NB/BAP, GMA News