“Just call me Tommy.”
That’s what former Cebu City mayor Tomas “Tommy” Osmeña tells people at City Hall.
No titles.
No special treatment.
He’s back — but not in the spotlight.
He says he’s only there to help.
Why He Wants to Drop Titles
Tommy believes public service should be simple.
He doesn’t want to be called “mayor”
He avoids formalities that feed ego
He wants to focus on action, not attention
This move surprises many, especially in politics, where titles often carry weight.
But Tommy seems set on one thing:
Let the work speak.
What Is He Doing Now?
He’s not in an official role.
He walks into City Hall like any other citizen.
Still, many notice.
His presence draws attention.
People still approach him for advice.
But his goal isn’t to lead.
It’s to support.
How Do People React?
Some call it refreshing.
Others are skeptical.
But many City Hall workers say:
He gives insights when asked
He avoids interfering in formal decisions
He talks casually with employees
It’s a shift from the usual politics.
Why Does This Matter?
Cebu City has had its share of political drama.
Leaders come and go.
Power struggles happen.
But this approach — low-key and hands-off — sends a different message.
What if more officials acted this way?
Do Titles Really Matter?
Ask yourself:
Would you take a leader more seriously if they demand respect by title?
Or does real respect come from action?
Tommy seems to bet on the second.
By removing the layers, he hopes to reconnect with real service.
Can This Work Long-Term?
That depends on three things:
Will current officials accept his presence?
Will citizens welcome his informal role?
Can he stay away from politics when needed?
So far, it seems to work.
But time will tell.
What’s the Message to Public Officials?
Drop the ego.
Forget the title.
Lead with presence, not position.
Tommy isn’t running for office — not right now.
But he shows that even past leaders can guide without holding power.
It’s an approach rooted in humility.
Do You See This in Other Cities?
Probably not often.
Many former mayors or governors step away quietly.
Others stay in the spotlight, chasing influence.
But in Cebu, Tommy chooses a middle path:
No stage
No badge
Just help when needed
Would that work in your city?
What Can Citizens Learn?
Power isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it shows up quietly — in advice, in service, in listening.
If you ever doubt your role in helping others, ask:
Can you make an impact without needing credit?
Questions for You
Would you respect a leader more if they dropped their title?
What defines real leadership for you?
Should more officials step back and support from the side?
Your answers might change how you view public service.
Final Thought
Tommy Osmeña may no longer hold office.
But his quiet return to Cebu City Hall sparks a louder idea:
Leadership isn’t about what you’re called.
It’s about what you do — and how you do it.
What would happen if more leaders said:
“Just call me by my name”?
