Anabelle Rama not a voter in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines - Talent manager Anabelle Rama maybe ineligible to run for congresswoman in the Cebu City north district after the Commission on Elections records revealed that she is not a registered voter.

Cebu City Comelec officer Marchel Sarno yesterday told The FREEMAN there are no records showing Anabelle Rama or Anabelle Gutierrez voted before and the actress’ name is not in the Comelec’s voters’ master list.

“Based sa atong record, wala ma’y pangalan nga Anabelle Rama or Annabelle Gutierrez nga naka-lista,” Sarno said.

Mayor Michael Rama confirmed that they asked Annabelle, his first-degree cousin, to run for congresswoman in the north district against the Del Mars, who have had a stronghold in the north district for 20 years now. 

The Ramas have roots in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas but Annabelle’s family also has a house in San Jose St., Barangay Zapatera and the actress reportedly bought a condominium unit in the uptown area several years ago.  

Even if Annabelle is not a registered voter in Cebu City, Sarno said that if the actress is interested to run for the post she has until October 31, 2012 to register.

“Wala man siguro’y problema kung magparehistro siya ug modagan siya as long as she can prove and establish her residency in the city,” Sarno said.

Section 117, Article 22 of the Omnibus Election Code states that to be registered as a voter, a Filipino citizen must have been a resident of the Philippines for one year and a resident in the city or municipality, where he or she intends to vote, for at least six months immediately preceding the election.

The next year’s midterm election is set on May 13, 2013.

Meanwhile, the Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan did not give much attention to Team Rama’s invitation to Annabelle to run in the north district.

“That’s their business,” said Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña, leader and founder of BOPK. He said BOPK is not going to stop any qualified person from running because there is nothing wrong with giving voters a wider selection.

“In a democratic process, it is the clashing of ideas that attracts greater interest from people. It is only Mike Rama and (an allied radio commentator) who think that it is only the mayor who has the freedom of expression,” Osmeña said.

Osmeña even welcomed the announcement of Renato “Junjun” Osmeña, son of former Cebu City Vice Mayor Renato Osmeña, to run for congressman of the city’s south district.

In a press conference at the City Hall yesterday, the mayor admitted he suggested that Anabelle run for senator. The mayor said his cousin is already popular not only in Cebu City being a Cebuano and one of the granddaughters of former senator Vicente Rama, but is also well-known in other places of the country.

The mayor said after he made the suggestion some of their relatives quickly raised the idea that the talent manager may also be fielded to challenge the possible reelection bid of Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar or her father former Congressman Raul del Mar.

But since the law provides that those who wish to run for any elective post must be a resident of the place where they wish to be elected for at least one year prior to the day of the election, she should have transferred registration last May 12, 2012.

Team Rama has not announced yet their possible candidate to challenge the Del Mars.

But for the only living child of Don Vicente Rama, Corazon Rama-del Prado, Annabelle best stays out of politics.

Del Prado said Anabelle can help the mayor in his reelection bid next year, but not necessarily run for office.

“I would tell her to get away from politics. I third she’s better off taking care of her family, her alaga and herself,” Del Prado said.

She said she was surprised by the news that Annabelle is being groomed to enter politics because this was never discussed in the family.

“Many are saying, she could help Michael because she’s famous. Well, Annabelle has so many fans. People love her. People admire her for being brave, for being able to defend herself. They found her as their idol kay isog kuno ug bisaya,” Del Prado said.  (FREEMAN)