Suspended Mayor Rama appeals to the public for justice

By: Pia Piquero – 2 hours ago

Supporters of Team Barug Rama attended the 126th Independence Day celebrations at Plaza Sugbo on June 12. | CDN PHOTO/ Pia Piquero

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Suspended Mayor Michael Rama says an appeal to the public is the justice he desires for what he considers to be an unfair preventive suspension.

When asked whether the June 12 meeting was intended for him to publicly complain about his preventive suspension, Rama replied firmly: If he could not get the justice he sought, where else could he turn?

“Who has ever been fed up with the fact that I couldn’t concentrate on work, what about my life?” Sa katawhan,” he said during the press conference.

(When I clearly demonstrate the justice that has been done to me, where should I turn? To the people.)

“The day has come, the day has come, the day has come,” said Rama

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At 5 p.m., during the 126th Independence Day celebration of Team Barug Rama at Plaza Sugbo on June 12, Cebu City Hall was packed with supporters waving their flags.

Several groups put up tarpaulins to express their support for Rama, but some individuals seemed indifferent and apparently participated out of a sense of duty.

When Rama arrived at the venue, his supporters erupted in cheers, waving their small flags and shouting, “We miss you, Mayor!”

Later, at 6 p.m., during the press conference, part of the crowd had dispersed, leaving about a third of the original participants. These remaining supporters actively participated and responded to Rama’s statements, clapping and cheering.

Rama maintained that his suspension was unfair, questioning why he was interfering when he had not received the complaint himself and expressing shock at the pre-emptive suspension order.

He mentioned attempts to obtain documents from the complainants, which were however rejected. He also expressed his frustration with the justice system and complained that a fair trial was not carried out in his case.

Research from Stanford University shows that appealing to the public is a key strategy for politicians in difficult situations because it helps them gain the support and legitimacy of voters.

Politicians use various tactics to influence public opinion and gain voter support, including emotional appeals in political ads that influence voter attitudes and motivation.

The study goes on to say that a politician’s dependence on public support is a classic example of how he uses public opinion to defend his positions and pursue his “goals.”

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