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

By: Lyle Andales – 6 mins ago

Suspended Mayor Mike Rama during his backstage State of the City (BaSOCA) address on July 4. | CDN photo/Pia Piquero

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

He said that since 1992 – even before his election as mayor – he had been able to launch 600 projects and pleaded not to destroy them.

“I looked at the audio-visual presentation that was done last year. 600 good projects since 1992. 600 of them in one year. “That would be nice if I knew what I meant, but that would be child’s play,” said Rama.

In his BaSOCA, he highlighted the successes his office had already achieved before his suspension.

During the event, an AVP presented its projects including sports events such as Palarong Pambansa 2024 and CViRAA 2024, educational initiatives such as “Tara Basa”, the housing program “Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino”, the health initiative “Bakuna Ta”, environmental conservation efforts such as “Gubat sa baha with CCDRRMO” and “Likay sa landslide”, the newly 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”, and inclusive “Pride Month” events to support the LGBTQIA+ community.

The event also highlighted his platform “BARUG CEBU CITY”, which is aligned with his goal of a “Singapore-like Cebu City with Melbourne elements”.

READ: Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama suspended for 6 months

Is there politics behind Rama’s suspension order?

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT: Rama’s suspension and why did the Ombudsman order it?

In his speech, Rama said he was a “people’s mayor” and would continue to stand up for his constituents despite his suspension. He stressed that he wanted to promote unity by eliminating negativity such as “resentment, bitterness, anger and vindictiveness” with the support of his wife Malou and the support of his supporters.

“I am a mayor of the people. I was awarded as ‘The People’s Manager’ by the PMAP (People Management Association of the Philippines) and I will continue to be a servant of 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 discrimination, from the bottom of my heart, because I want to die carefree. I want to travel carefree and leave ‘resentment, bitterness, anger and vindictiveness’ behind. That is not my thing and you know it,” Rama explained.

The event was attended by city officials including incumbent Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, councilors Joy Pesquera, Rhea Mae Jakosalem and Phillip Zafra, former city budget officer Jerone Castillo, General Services Department head Ian Hassamal and preventively suspended city manager Collin Rosell. Several barangay captains and SK officials also showed support in their respective uniforms.

During the press conference following Rama’s BaSOCA, questions arose about the alleged misuse of government vehicles and whether Hontiveros would be his running mate. Rama shifted the focus to the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2024, stressing Cebu City’s readiness as host. Despite his suspension, Rama reiterated ongoing improvements for the event with the support of incumbent Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and City Councilor Phillip Zafra.

Rama was preventively suspended on May 8 due to problems with the payment of unpaid salaries and alleged discrimination against four regular employees. /clorenciana

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