In Malacañang Palace: Rama set to take oath as RDC head on May 3

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will take oath as the new Regional Development Council-7 chairman before President Benigno Aquino III in the Malacañang Palace on May 3.

Rama will be joined by his son Mikel and daughter Michelin.

Rama was appointed as RDC-7 head by President Aquino last March 31. He replaced Negros Oriental governor Augustin Perdices who died last January 5 of stomach cancer, barely a month before he was appointed by Aquino for the position.

Rama is planning to meet with the RDC members in the second week of May to discuss important matters.

The mayor refused to provide details, but he said there are things he needs to urgently discuss with the members because he wants some changes.

He said that as of now, he will not propose new projects but will review first those that have been endorsed to the RDC during the previous administration.

Asked if the proposed light rail transit in Metropolitan Cebu will have a chance in his administration, the mayor said he will stand by the city’s position that bus rapid transit is better for Cebu City.

“Unless there will be miracle of other proposals that will not affect or destroy the heritage beauty of the city,” he said.

Rama said that he has no plans to talk personally with the president on May 3 because he knows it will be a hectic day and will be hard to get an appointment.

But he said he will discuss his requests for the city with some people close to the president who will be able to relay the message. – (FREEMAN)