For linking vice mayor to narcopolitics: Rama files libel rap vs. Tiongko

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday filed a libel case at the City Prosecutor’s Office against James Philip ‘Jimboy’ Tiongko, an independent candidate for councilor in the North District.

The charges stem from the allegations made by Tiongko, executive director of the Krusada Batok sa Droga, that Rama is coddling a drug pusher.

Tiongko’s group has declared Rama as ‘public enemy number 1’ because of his alleged drug links.

Rama said that he filed a case to protect his reputation and that of the entire Rama clan as well as the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council, which he said, is very active in the anti-crime or anti-drugs campaign.

Rama added in his affidavit, what Tiongko said about him can damage his chances in the May 10 elections.

Last week, Rama said that he would not waste his time filing a case, but changed his mind when his family pushed him to go after Tiongko.

The group of Tiongko alleged that Rama is protecting Crisostomo ‘Tata Negro’ Llaguno, an alleged drug personality.

Incidentally, Llaguno is also an independent candidate for councilor of the North District.

Rama said that these accusations made by Tionko against him, which were carried by different publications, caused dishonor, discredit and contempt upon his reputation and thus damaging is chances as a candidate.

In a press conference yesterday, Rama said that not only he was outraged by the issue, but also his entire family.

He said that this drug issue is “getting into the bone and flesh” not only him as a person but also to his entire clan including his children.

“My family is so mad about it, even my son. Mag sige siya’g ingon, ‘Grabe na gyud ni dad. Grabe na gyud na sila,’ which means he can’t understand why they are doing it,” he said.

Rama said that he was not raised by his parents to be a drug protector.

Tiongko, in a press conference last April 21 held at the Casino Español, tagged Rama as a protector of a drug personality. The stories came out in the major dailies on April 22.

 In that press conference, Tiongko said that he only based his findings on what Mayor Tomas Osmeña said accusing Rama of his involvement with a drug lord. He also found some supporting articles from what the media and the Internet has covered on the incident that Rama intervened in a police operation against Llaguno last year.

Rama, who is a lawyer, said the Tiongko should have consulted a lawyer before making his pronouncements.

Tiongko told The Freeman last night that he was merely exercising his right of free expression, which is guaranteed by the Constitution.

He said that he is calling a press conference at Casino Español this 11:30 a.m. to present his first witness to prove his claims against Rama, the standard bearer of the ruling Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

He explained that his effort is part of the electoral process where the public has to scrutinize the candidates for public office.

   “In an election, you are subject to public scrutiny… the public must know if you are morally upright to lead the citizenry,” Tiongko said.

“I am merely exercising my right, my freedom who I want to be elected.

“Unsa man ni, Mr. Mike Rama, wala pa gani ka kalingkod mura ka na ug diktador,” Tiongko added.

Tiongko is a known ally of former Senator John Henry ‘Sonny’ Osmeña, who is also running for mayor in the May 10 elections. — /NLQ   (FREEMAN NEWS)