Appointment of new city administrator: Osmeña leaves decision to Rama

CEBU, Philippines - Outgoing Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña will be leaving the decision for the choice of next city administrator to mayor-elect Michael Rama.

However, Osmeña who still stands as the leader of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan reminded Rama that he was elected because of the programs of BOPK which he must uphold and develop when he takes over as mayor in a month’s time.

Osmeña said that Rama should be given the chance to see what he can do for the city of Cebu starting from the choice of people who he can trust to assist him in running the city.

“Just let him (choose). Because whatever I say and he agreed, the media might call him a rubber stamp,” Osmeña said.

A rubber stamp, as a political metaphor, is someone who rarely disagrees with a more powerful authority or someone who tends to give approval automatically without considering its merit.

Osmeña said Rama knows what is wise to do, the reason why he was chosen the standard-bearer of BOPK is because he has proven his worth with his almost two decades of service to the city.

He also reminded Rama not to listen to some “idiots” who try to distract him.

“If you’re going to listen to these idiots and follow them, you’re taking a political risk,” Osmeña said referring to those who have been vocally criticizing the city government.

He also said he has no problem with Labor attaché Josephus Jimenez, who is rumored to be considered by Rama as the next city administrator, despite the reports that Jimenez is very close to the Gullases.

Osmeña is not in good terms with Cebu first district Rep. Eduardo Gullas as both recently traded barbs over whose project the South Road Properties is.

“I have no problem with Jimenez. If he takes order from Gullas that will affect the city, that’s the problem. I’ll have to make a stand if that happens. But they should all be given the chance,” Osmeña said.

Rama already said that he has not decided yet who will occupy several positions that will be left vacant in City Hall.

He however said that among the qualifications he is looking for is the person must have his trust and confidence and competence. /BRP(FREEMAN NEWS)