Archival defends skipping WPS event, says Manila trip secured Cebu funds

CEBU CITY — Mayor Nestor Archival has defended his absence from the city's commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) arbitral ruling, saying his official meetings in Manila were focused on securing funding and partnerships that will bring long-term benefits to Cebuanos.

Archival issued the statement hours after Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña criticized him for skipping the ceremony and accused him of “playing it safe” on the WPS issue, especially after China’s diplomatic protest against Cebu City’s observance of “West Philippine Sea Victory Day.”

Instead of directly addressing Osmeña’s criticism, Archival said his trip to the capital was about advancing key