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Rama on his suspension: “I did nothing wrong”

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By: Ferlyn Batiancila – 3 minutes ago


Mayor of Cebu City, Michael Lopez Rama. | Archive photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who was provisionally suspended, maintains that his suspension was unfair and without due process.

Since his suspension began, Rama has consistently claimed over the past two months that he was not involved in the case.

In a press conference via Zoom on Friday, July 19, Rama’s camp presented an audio-visual presentation (AVP) addressing the issues surrounding his preventive suspension and the case involving four unpaid employees of the Cebu City Hall.

The AVP describes how Rama and seven other suspended officials felt “helpless” and in “complete darkness” during their suspension.

It also points out that Rama was not involved in processing employee salaries or payment arrangements, which highlights the separation of duties within the city administration.

“I have done nothing wrong. Legally speaking, I have done nothing illegal. So who should I appeal to? The people, especially in Cebu City, who voted for me. It is not fair that they cannot witness my presence,” Rama said.

Rama is confident that all petitions and appeals against his suspension will be reviewed and resolved.

READ: EXPLAINER: Rama’s suspension and why did the Ombudsman order it?

“I have not made any requests, but I have not made any inquiries, I have only responded to your request,” Rama added.

When asked about the end of his suspension, Rama said he did not consider it an “end” as he felt he had done nothing wrong.

“I don’t even want to call it the end. Imagine, why am I calling it the end when I have done nothing wrong? Why wait 6 months? I really can’t imagine that,” Rama said.

Rama hopes his suspension will be lifted before his birthday and wedding to his partner Langga Malou in October, saying he feels it would be “hurtful” to celebrate these occasions while legal issues are still pending.

Earlier this year, the Ombudsman imposed a six-month preventive suspension on Rama and seven others after city hall employees complained about problems with transfers and unpaid salaries.

The complaints filed by Filomena Atuel, Maria Almicar Dionggzon, Sybil Ann Ybañez and Chito Dela Cerna also involved lawyers Collin Rossell, Maria Theresa Rossell, Francis May Jacaban, Angelique Cabugao, Jay-Ar Pescante, Lester Joey Beniga and Nelyn Sanrojo.

In an eight-page resolution, Ombudsman Samuel Martires sees sufficient evidence for the suspension due to serious misconduct and conduct unworthy of public officials. /with reports by Pia Piquero






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