Candidates fail to get Rama's endorsement

CEBU, Philippines – Barangay officials and others who wish to win in the October 25-synchronized barangay and youth elections troop to the office of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama everyday asking for his endrosement.

As early as 8 o'clock in the morning, visitors from different barangays of the city who are all claiming to be Rama's political supporters fill up the small office for the vice mayor at the city legislative building where Rama is temporarily holding his office.

Rama usually spends at least 30 minutes to every group of candidates as he usually gives them advice on how to become good public servants and to refrain from engaging in illegal activities once elected in office.

Some of the visitors admitted they were hoping the mayor will give them monetary assistance. Rama, though, refused to say whether he will give funds to the candidates who went to his office.

The mayor said he told the barangay candidates they could not expect him to go to their barangays to endorse them, since the barangay elections is non partisan.

But one of those who visited the mayor yesterday said, "Sa papel ra na nga non-partisan ang barangay elections pero in reality dili mahimo ug ang mga opisyal walay suportahan."

A re-electionist barangay councilman who is a supporter of the Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan said they were given P20,000 financial support for their group during the 2007 barangay elections.

"Ang grupo gihatagan og tag P20,000 pero ang mga individual nga suod sa mga opisyal hatagan pa g'yud og laing hinabang. Bawos-bawos ra man kay kon sila na usab ang magpapili, kami sab sa barangay ang molihok," a barangay councilman said. (FREEMAN)