Rama's travel authority deferred

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has deferred Mayor Michael Rama’s authority to travel to Xiamen, China to attend the 15th China International Fair for Investments and Trade next month.

This after Councilor Margarita Osmeña questioned why Rama is taking with him two of his consultants, Eugenio Elizalde and Paulino Hubahib.

Aside from the two, Councilors Rodrigo Abellanosa, Sisinio Andales, Jose Daluz III and Edgardo Labella and Cebu Investments Promotions Center manager Roberto Varquez will also join Rama’s party.

Osmeña questioned why the mayor is taking with him his consultants who are not considered employees of the city government.

Her concern was that the city government will have to spend for the travel expenses of half of the delegates because the organizing committee will only pay for four people.

Osmeña wants to make sure first if the mayor is allowed to bring his consultants and spend for their travel using taxpayers’ money. The council deferred the resolution to authorize the travel of the group for one week.

Councilor Jose Daluz confirmed that the city government will have to shoulder the expenses of the rest of the delegates since they will be made part the official delegation.

Osmeña also seeks clarification on why Hubahib’s designation in the resolution is Protocol Officer while they were not made aware that there is already a new Protocol Officer.

Osmeña said that Hubahib is a consultant on utilities. But it was learned that Hubahib’s contract as a consultant has ended last month.

Rama, when asked if Hubahib is already the new officer, did not confirm nor deny it saying he still has to check with his secretary Belinda Navascues.

The Protocol Office also confirmed that Marlon Hofer, who was appointed Protocol Officer last year, is no longer in the position effective August 4.

The council also questioned the selection of the delegates because Councilor Noel Wenceslao said that if the event is on trade and investment, why was the chairman of the committee on trade and industry not invited?

But Rama said it is his prerogative to choose who he wants to take with him.

“You should be with people you are comfortable with,” Rama said.

Xiamen is a sister city of Cebu City and its Mayor, Liu Kequing who is also the Vice Chairman of the CIFIT Organizing Committee, sent an invitation to Rama recently for the said event. (FREEMAN)