Council defers hiring of Rama's consultant

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council deferred the approval of the hiring of Mayor Michael Rama’s consultant on systems and procedures because of questions on the legality of hiring an American citizen.

Rama has endorsed for Council’s approval the hiring of Oliver Echivarre upon the recommendation of the members of the Bids and Awards Committee.

Through a resolution, the BAC recommended to procure the consultancy services of Echivarre in line with the city’s beautification program.

Echivarre admitted before the members of the City Council yesterday that he is an American citizen holding a Balikbayan Visa when asked by Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña about his citizenship.

He however said that he is a natural born Filipino citizen having been born in Cebu City. Echivarre, who is a reserved US Army, will be working for Rama’s beautification program.

If approved by the council, Echivarre will be working for a period of six months with P18,000 monthly salary.

Since November up to the present, Echivarre has already been working for the Garbo Asenso Sumbanan Alyansa or GASA, which was launched in September. GASA has the mandate to regulate vending and clear streets from obstructions, especially Osmeña Boulevard and other major thoroughfares.

City Councilor Edgardo Labella, chairman of the committee on laws, said he needs to study if there is no legal impediment to hire an American citizen as consultant. Some political pundits however could not help but suspect that this could be the start of the Council’s unfriendly moves towards Rama after he severed his political affiliation with the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan. — (FREEMAN)