Ex-Cebu Governor Lito Osmena, Promdi Mover, Has Died

Former Cebu Governor Lito Osmena, who pushed for the development of regions outside Metro Manila, has died at 82, the provincial government said Tuesday.

Cebu City Council Renato "Junjun" Osmeña Jr., Lito's nephew, also confirmed his passing.

"Rest in peace Uncle Lito Osmeña," Junjun said on Facebook without mentioning the cause of his death.

"Salamat kaayo sa tanang gitudlo nimo kanako, dili lng kabahin sa politika kundi apil pud ang kinabuhi (Thank you so much for everything you have taught me, not only about politics but also about life)... You will be missed, uncle," he added.

The grandson of former president Sergio Osmeña Sr. is best known for the PROMDI party in the late 1990s, which he used as a platform for a presidential campaign in 1998. He lost to former President Joseph Estrada.

Lito Osmeña served as governor of Cebu from 1988 to 1992. He is credited for Ceboom, which positioned the Visayan city into an economic center.

"So long Dad! You will always be part of us. Thank you is not enough!" provincial government quoted his son Mimo Osmena.