On new plans and programs, Mayor Rama issues gag order to execs

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has warned all department heads against issuing public statements pertaining to new plans and programs of their respective department without him knowing it first.

Rama said he was dismayed by City Veterinarian Alice Utlang’s announcement last Tuesday wherein the officials said she will be asking Councilor Raul Alcoseba to sponsor an ordinance that will penalize dog owners whose pets are found positive of rabies.

While Rama said he understand that Utlang only wanted to encourage dog owners to have their pets registered and given anti-rabies vaccine but it should have been cleared with him first before making the announcement to the media.

Rama said he might not agree to the proposal of Utlang that the dog owners will be immediately penalized with the maximum penalty of P5,000 fine and one year imprisonment.

According to the Mayor, the best way to do it is to give warning to the dog owners if their pets are found positive of rabies for the first time rather than to immediately impose penalties against them.

“Ang maayo ato usa nga i-refer sa legal office aron patun-an kon unsay husto nga buhaton (it would be best to refer it first to the legal office for further study),” Rama said.

Utlang’s suggestion however gets a favorable feedback from Councilor Edgardo Labella.

Utlang explained that whenever a dog is found positive of rabies it is understood that the owners did not take care of it. She said anti-rabies vaccine is given free of charge by the Department of Veterinary Medicines.

The vaccine was donated by the Humane Society International. — (FREEMAN)