Rama is back, cool over "coup" rumors

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is back from Israel and remains cool despite reports of “attacks” by the city council against his administration while he was away.

Rama attended a mayor’s conference in Israel and was gone for a week.

While he was away, many things happened that he had to face when he came home Friday night.

Regarding reports that the council is plotting something against him following a meeting called by Rep. Tomas Osmeña for all Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan members last week, Rama said he is not at all affected or alarmed and will just continue to do his job as mayor.

He also refused to comment on the decision of his former allies in not inviting his nephew, Councilor Eduardo Rama, to the meeting.

“The best person to be asked about how he feels is Edu. I think they (BOPK members) have a reason why they did that,” Rama said.

Earlier, councilor Rama said that he has nothing against his fellow BOPK members as he understands their reasons.

Rama also said that he will not meddle with the decision of the council to put Councilor Margot Osmeña, the wife of Tomas, in charge of the budget and finance committee.

“Dili ko manghilabot ana. Anyway, that’s a council function,” the mayor said.

On the rejection of the contract of his consultant, Rama said for him it is not a big deal.

In earlier reports, Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young said that political issues may arise after the council rejected the hiring of the mayor’s consultant which they did for the first time.

Rama assured however that he has no plans in picking a fight with the council over the issue.

“If ever dili madala because the consultant lacks the qualification, it is okay. I understand that it is the council’s job to ensure that the consultant is qualified. If he (Oliver Echivarre) would want to continue serving the city in a voluntary manner, that is very much welcome,” Rama said.

The council’s committee on laws did not approve the consultancy of Echivarre because of issues on his citizenship. Rama wanted Echivarre as a consultant on systems and procedures.   - (THE FREEMAN)