Rama officially calling the shots

CEBU - Though still in acting capacity, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday officially discharged full and absolute powers of a city mayor as Mayor Tomas Osmeña is already on his 60th day of leave yesterday.

According to a provision in the Local Government Code, the acting mayor assumes full-fledged authority as mayor on the 60th day of the latter’s leave.

This means Rama now has the power to hire and fire employees and other authorities like that of an elected mayor. But Rama said he will only use such during circumstances that merit the said power.

He said he will further evaluate present performance of staffing in coordination with the Human Resources Management Office including the Cebu City Police Office.

“But we will however still adopt the importance of due process,” Rama said.

He said within this week he may opt to consider recommending a possible reshuffle among the police ranks.

He said the city is assisting the police with P40 million to P50 million.

“We will see and assess whether we are not happy with the peace and order situation and performance is not just within the powerpoint presentations, but everything will be done with due process,” Rama said.

This also means his holding office at the office of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, while first councilor Hilario Davide III is also suggested to hold office at Rama’s office as the vice mayor.

“This will be a big adjustment for us, here everywhere I see is Tom, Tom, Tom and for Jun (Davide), he sees Mike, Mike, Mike,” Rama joked.

He said he will need his own Monitoring and Management Team without making it clear as to whether the original Mayor’s Office Staff will be retained or transferred.

Davide said he prefers working in his original office and may use the Vice Mayor’s Office for conferences and meetings.

He said there is no need for him to give up being chairman of the agriculture committee.

Osmeña went on official leave last October 8 to seek for medical treatment for his bladder cancer. – Ferliza C. Contratista/BRP (THE FREEMAN)