Rama to confront move to muddle VMLP polls

Firm on clinching the presidency of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said he would confront any move to muddle the VMLP elections this month.

Rama said he would personally fight against any move of some officials of the Department of Interior and Local Government to intervene in the elections following a survey conducted by these officials from Region VII in an attempt to endorse their anointed candidate.

Should anybody attempt to do so, Rama said, “I will personally tell him to please get out of the scene because we can handle our affairs.”

Even the Cebu Provincial Board earlier passed a resolution expressing disappointment over the “deplorable acts” of the DILG officials.

 The PB said the DILG officials’ survey is a veiled or subtle attempt to endorse their anointed candidate, which is a pure and simple undue interference to influence the outcome of a non-partisan election.

Yet Rama clarified that DILG would still sit in the Commission of Elections during the VMLP elections but its job should be limited there.

Last week, Mandaue City Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna had withdrawn his bid for the VMLP presidency.

In a statement, Fortuna said while he may be physically and emotionally prepared for the tough campaign, he would not be certain of his mental focus because of the various concerns in Mandaue City “that far outweigh my bid for the presidency.”

Fortuna made his decision on the day of the deadline of filing of certificate of candidacy for the VMLP national positions.

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña said earlier that Lakas is supporting Rama’s bid for the VMLP presidency but the vice mayor did not confirm nor deny this.

Osmeña, who admitted he is helping Rama get the seat, earlier said he has spoken to an officer of Lakas who informed him that the party will be rooting for Rama. 

Osmeña also said many of the city mayors with whom he has good relations have also expressed support for Rama, although it would only be the vice mayors who will be voting during the election.

Had Fortuna pushed through with his candidacy, the VMLP elections on July 17 and 18 in Manila would be historical in itself with two Cebuanos fighting for the same post. Such scenario has reportedly never happened before because leaders from Cebu said to have always chosen to present a solid vote.

The two other aspirants for VMLP president are Antipolo City Vice Mayor Danilo Leyble and Batac City Vice Mayor Allan Nalupta.

In 2005, Rama ran for VMLP but lost to Mandaluyong City Vice Mayor Jessie Cruz by 70 votes. —  Joeberth M. Ocao/LPM