Barangay captains' "revolt" affects Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday admitted that he is affected by the so-called “revolt” by the barangay captains who signed the manifesto endorsing Cebu City north district Rep. Raul del Mar to run as mayor in tandem with mayor Tomas Osmeña as his running mate in the coming 2010 elections.

But Rama, who was back to his function as vice mayor after almost six months of being the city’s acting mayor, said he looks at the issue as more of a concern that should not be ignored.

 “I am a hypocrite if I say I am not affected. Labi pa if you had worked hard, you have the records, then will lead to something as if you have not done anything,” he stressed.

However, the vice mayor said he can never stop the development of controversies and intrigues because other people have also their own interests. “You know I am a positive thinker, kung naa’y aso, naa’y kayo, ug naa’y problema pangitaan nato og solusyon.”

“I am asking the help of God and the Sto. Niño that I can continue to stand. It is very clear from where I am today that I had adapted the real essence of public service,” Rama said.

Last week, barangay captains circulated a manifesto rejecting the Rama-Joy Augustus Young tandem and endorsing the del Mar-Osmeña team-up in the upcoming 2010 national polls.

Sto. Niño barangay captain Pancho Ramirez had also admitted in a radio interview that he was the one behind the circulation of the manifesto, which allegedly surfaced because the barangays are not satisfied with Rama’s performance during his stint as the acting mayor.

Rama said he has no plans of calling for a meeting with the barangay leaders, adding their paths will eventually meet as he would implement his programs until 2010.

In his return to the legislative department yesterday, Rama made a privilege speech during the City Council session thanking the council members for the support they extended to him while he was acting mayor.

Just like the mayor, Rama said he too had come and hoped that he is still welcomed by the councilors.

“I am also in some sort of a homecoming. Being acting mayor with full powers it was not quite easy but I had you, my colleagues and the acting vice mayor Hilario Davide Jr. III who were very supportive of me, the whole time,” Rama said.

He also urged them to give the same support and do things for the people of the city.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo welcomed Rama as he pushed for the approval of his motion to commend the vice mayor and Davide for a job well done while they were still the acting mayor and vice mayor, respectively. — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB (THE FREEMAN)