Former Cebu governor Emilio Mario “Lito” Osmeña, known as the chief architect of Ceboom, the province's rapid economic development plan in the 1990s, passed away Monday evening. He was 82 years old.
“So long Dad! You will always be part of us. Thank you is not enough!” said Osmeña's son, Mimo, in a Facebook post.
“Thank for all that you have taught me, not only in politics but also in life. As one of the Osmeñas, I am proud of all the good things that you have done for Cebu and the country,” said Cebu City councilor Renato Osmeña Jr. in a separate Facebook post.
Lito was the grandson of the late President Sergio Osmeña. His brother, former Senator Sonny Osmeña, passed away last year.
He ran for president in 1998 but lost to Joseph Estrada.
Last month, Osmeña announced that his political party, Promdi, will participate in next year's elections.