Architect Manuel Guanzon, irked by criticisms that the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) wouldn’t be finished by Nov. 15, offered a bet of 1.5 million pesos that it would.

And who accepts the bet? Former Senator John “Sonny” Osmeña.

I can’t help but admire the man! By publicly accepting the bet he set 3 conditions: one, he wanted an independent group of evaluators to determine what “finished” means; two, he wanted 24/7 access to the construction site; and three, he wanted to see the plans and blueprints.

Guanzon replied that the conditions were not his to grant, but the oversight committee’s. Of course! But it doesn’t matter. I don’t think Osmaña is really interested in the money. I believe the point he’s making is, “the CICC construction better be above-board.” After all, it’s the taxpayers who’re paying for it.

And that’s why I admire John Osmeña. By using the Mother of All Bets, he gave notice that the Filipino must come first, not an elaborate show to impress foreign dignitaries.