Rama now asks council authority to sign MCDCB

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is now seeking the approval of the City Council to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the newly created Metro Cebu Development Coordination Board.

The mayor’s request for authority from the council is viewed as a curative move following his signing of the agreement last April without the council’s approval.

Rama earlier contended that he does not need the authority from the council because his signature was only for cooperation and coordination.

Rama added that it will not also disadvantage the city as his signing of the memorandum does not involve funds. According to Rama, he only needs the authority from the council if the agreement he entered into involves money.

However, Rama, in a letter dated June 29, requested Councilor Edgardo Labella to sponsor a resolution authorizing him to sign on behalf of the city government the agreement establishing the MCDCB.

Labella endorsed the letter to the council for it to be included in the regular session. However, the members of the council only “noted” the letter during its regular session yesterday.

Labella could not also assure Rama that he will sponsor the resolution saying he still has to discuss the matter with his colleagues.

The Council instead reminded Rama to adhere to the provisions of the Local Government which requires him to secure the council’s authority before signing any memorandum of agreement.

“There is a need to remind the Office of the Mayor to observe this rule and refrain from signing MOA’s, contracts, deeds and the like without a resolution from the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” said Councilor Margot Osmeña.

Osmeña pointed out that aside from Rama’s signing of the MCDCB without the authority from the council, the Mayor has also signed the renewal of the contract of lease for the rental of the office space occupied by the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) without their approval.

The PTA is occupying three rooms at the building of the city savings bank after they vacated their office at the Fort San Pedro, which is now used as museum.

“It was already signed by the mayor (MOA),” Osmeña said, adding that she sponsor the resolution that instead of renewal, its ratifying the contract of lease entered into and signed by Rama for and on behalf of the City of Cebu. — (FREEMAN)