CEBU, Philippines - The conflict between Cebu City Mayor Michael “Mike” Rama and Rep. Tomas Osmeña has already spread to their respective supporters, who are now exchanging unpleasant words.
This as neophyte Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon, a known urban poor advocate before joining politics, lambasted the mayor’s cousin, Basak Barangay Captain George Rama for his statement.
George, a former city councilor, commented that he finally removed the chain around his neck when he left Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), and had it transferred to Dizon.
“With respect to barangay captain Rama, I find his statement absolutely misplaced and reckless,” was Dizon’s response.
Dizon said it would be hard for him to comment on the mayor leaving BOPK, adding that the mayor’s decision may have been carefully of. But Dizon stressed that he is not chained to anyone.
“I humbly refuse to accept the chain offered to me by barangay captain Rama because I believe that you can only be enslaved if you allow yourself to be enslaved,” Dizon said.
If George does not know about him, Dizon said, his brand of politics will “always begin and end with the poor.”
Dizon said he has been an advocate of urban poverty alleviation issues for the past 19 years. His move for the Mahiga issue, he added, has gained the support from other sectors like non-government groups, the Roman Catholic Church, the City Council and National Government housing agencies.
To recall, Mayor Rama and Dizon have been publicly issuing statements against each other because of their clashing opinions on relocating the families affected by the demolition in Mahiga.
Dizon said the “dynamics” he is having with Mayor Rama is to dispel the notion that city councilors are not capable of being independent-minded.
“But sadly, we are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. If we keep silent on issues, we will be accused of being a rubber stamp and when we choose to speak responsibly, we will be accused as spokesperson or under the chain of Cong. Osmeña. Is there no more place for sincere intentions in public service?” Dizon asked. (FREEMAN)