Rama defends volunteer group exec accused of pocketing cash donation

CEBU, Philippines -Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama defended the official of a volunteer group helping his administration from accusation that he deposited to his personal bank account an amount donated by a soft drink company for a project intended at the City Zoo.

Rama said he did not believe in the allegations saying he trust the sincerity of Filipino-Chinese businessman Joni Chan to put up souvenir shops and other stalls at the zoo.

“I have no doubt of Joni. Wala ko’y problema niya kay kaning naa ta sa pang-gobyerno kinahanglan kinasing-kasing gyud kay daghan ra ba kaayo og mga istorya,” Rama said.

Chan solicited P98,000 three months ago from Pepsi for the construction of stalls and souvenir shops in Cebu City Zoo. But the amount was allegedly not used for its intended purpose.

Chan, in an interview with The FREEMAN, denied depositing the money in his personal account. Chan said the money was deposited in the account of the United Multi-Sectoral Coordinating Council of Cebu City-4 where he is executive director.

The UMC4 is a volunteer group composed of downtown businessmen and vendors who are helping the administration of Rama.

 “It is not true that it is in my account. It’s in the account of UMC4. If naa na sa akong personal account then naa ko’y personal agenda niana,” Chan said.

Chan said he solicited the amount under the public-private partnership. He sees politics behind the issue.

Because of it, Chan said he is returning the money to Pepsi saying the malicious accusation has damaged his person.

 “I just want to close this project and make it as a bad experience kay dili na angayan ipadayon,” Chan said. (FREEMAN)