Cebu's greatest Governor Rama not insulted by Gwen's "yes"

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama is not feel insulted with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia declaration that she is Cebu’s greatest governor.

Rama, whose uncle Osmundo Rama was former governor, said Garcia’s declaration was very subjective and he does not want to judge the governor based on such.

“Naa ra mana nimo kung imong seryosohon nga insult na. As far as I am concerned, I don’t want to judge. Who am I to judge?” Rama told reporters yesterday.

Garcia’s declaration in the ABS-CBN show “The Bottomline” where she was guest generated criticism from Cebu Rep. and former mayor Tomas Osmeña who said Garcia’s answer was an insult to former governors like his grandfather Don Sergio Sr.; father Serging Jr. and cousin Emilio. He also cited other former governors like Jose Leyson and Hilario Abellana who were reportedly willing to risk their lives during the Japanese era. 

Garcia answered “yes” when the show’s host Boy Abunda asked if she believes she is the greatest governor Cebu ever had.

Rama clarified he is not distancing himself from the issue because he is trying to be friendly with the provincial government, only that he has more important things to attend to as mayor like the resolution of the 93-1 issue, Cebu Zoo, Fuente Osmeña and Ciudad development, all involving properties of the provincial government.

He admitted that he is glad Garcia had promised to solve the controversial issue before her term as governor ends.

Garcia and Osmeña used to be friends until 2007 when Garcia called off the 93-1 deal. Osmeña, who was mayor at that time, was negotiating to swap the 93-1 lots occupied by Cebu City residents with properties of the city, but Rama described the arrangement as “dawat og limpyo.”

This description angered Garcia and prompted her to call the deal off.

The other day, following Osmeña’ criticism on Garcia’s “yes” answer in “The Bottomline, Capitol consultant and spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda challenged Osmeña to answer whether or not he believes that he is Cebu City’s best mayor. —(FREEMAN)