Rama: Remember me for my achievements, not for my suspension

By: Lyle Andales – 6 minutes ago

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Precautionarily suspended Mayor Michael Rama wants to be remembered for his achievements, not his suspension, during his Backstage State of the City Address (BaSOCA) on Thursday, July 4.

He stated that since 1992 he had managed to initiate 600 projects, even before he was elected mayor, and appealed not to cross them out.

“I was watching an audiovisual presentation on the occasion of 600 good projects completed since 1992. 600 in that time. “Nya mao na, I wish (because) naa man mo dinhi, ayaw intawn na ninyo papasa,” Rama said.

In his statement, BaSOCA highlighted the achievements his office had achieved even before his suspension.

During the event, the Vice President for Public Health showcased his projects, including sports events such as the Palarong Pambansa 2024 and CViRAA 2024, educational initiatives such as “Tara Basa,” the housing program “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino,” the healthcare initiative “Bakuna Ta,” environmental conservation efforts such as “Gubat sa baha with CCDRRMO” and “Likay sa landslide,” the recently opened “Plaza sa Katawhan,” cultural celebrations such as the Sinulog Festival at the SRP grounds, historical events “Kaplag sa San Nicolas,” “Gabii sa Kabilin,” and “Buhing Kalbaryo,” as well as integration events for “Pride Month” in support of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The event also highlighted his platform “BARUG CEBU CITY” which aims to realize his aspiration of creating a “Singapore-like Cebu City with Melbourne-like characteristics.”

READ: Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama Suspended for 6 Months

Are there political issues behind the decision to suspend Rama?

EXPLANATION: The suspension of Rama and why did the Ombudsman order it?

In his speech, Rama stated that he is the “people’s mayor” and will continue to serve his constituents despite his suspension. He stressed that with the support of his wife Malou and the backing of his supporters, he intends to promote unity by eliminating negativity such as “resentment, bitterness, anger and revenge.”

“I am the people’s mayor. I have been awarded the title of ‘People’s Manager’ by the PMAP (People Management Association of the Philippines) and I will continue to serve the people. I guarantee that until the last drop of my blood, as long as my wife supports me, I will serve all of you (without) distinction, from the bottom of my heart, because I want to die light. I want to travel light and get rid of ‘resentment, bitterness, anger and revenge. That is not my thing and you know it,'” Rama stated.

The event was attended by city officials including acting vice mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, councilors Joy Pesquera, Rhea Mae Jakosalem and Phillip Zafra, former city budget officer Jerone Castillo, Department of General Services chief Ian Hassamal and preventively suspended city administrator Collin Rosell. Several barangay captains and SK officials also showed their support in their uniforms.

During Rama’s post-BaSOCA press conference, questions arose about alleged misuse of government vehicles and whether Hontiveros would be his running mate. Rama shifted attention to the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2024 and stressed Cebu City’s readiness to host. Despite the suspension, Rama acknowledged ongoing improvements to the event with the support of acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and Councilor Phillip Zafra.

Rama was suspended as a precaution on May 8 due to issues related to unpaid wages and alleged discrimination against four permanent employees. /clorenciana

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