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Joy Belmonte is appointed acting president of the LCP after Rama’s suspension






By: Pia Piquero2 mins ago


Mayor Michael Rama of Cebu City and Mayor Joy Belmonte of Quezon City

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte was named acting national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) following the preventive suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

This decision was made during the special meeting of the National Executive Board (NEB) on July 19 in Mandaluyong City.

Rama, who has served as national president of the LCP since 2022, addressed the NEB’s decision in a Zoom meeting on July 27, expressing confidence in Belmonte’s ability to lead the group during his suspension.

“I have no concerns about my always reliable and committed deputy general manager leading the league,” Rama said.

He praised Belmonte as a “committed and inspiring” leader whose leadership he trusted to uphold the league’s mission.

READ: Rama: Bacolod Mayor’s board meeting with LCP on July 19 faces legal problems

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

On 19 July, the same day, the NEB held a meeting, Rama criticized it on the grounds that it may violate the LCP’s constitution and bylaws and warned of possible legal problems.

However, at a recent press conference, Rama’s tone changed as he confirmed the agenda of the NEB meeting.

In his public statement, Rama reflected on his family’s legacy of public service, starting with his grandfather, Senator Vicente Rama, the father of the Cebu City Charter.

He emphasized his commitment to public service and the importance of giving the interests of cities the highest priority.

“In 2022, I was elected and mandated as National President of the Philippine League of Cities by 149 cities across the country,” Rama said.

“After two years as president, I remain committed to the LCP’s mission as an independent body focused on the welfare and development of cities and the nation as a whole,” he added.

Despite his suspension, Rama made it clear that he would continue to defend the League’s interests and uphold its integrity.

“I will not shy away from protecting the interests of the league, nor will I ignore the irregularities, bad precedent and unfounded actions taken as a result of my current preventive suspension,” he said.

In his statement, Rama also stressed the importance of unity and a formal handover ceremony to ensure a smooth transition during this transition period.

“In the spirit of courtesy and camaraderie, I wish and expect a formal and official handover ceremony in the meantime,” he said. /clorenciana






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