Rama admits bribery attempts

CEBU, Philippines - For the first time after two decades, Mayor Michael Rama yesterday publicly announced that there were persons who tried to bribe him while he was still a city councilor, vice mayor and even after he was elected as mayor of Cebu City.

Speaking before the more than 100 traffic enforcers in front of Cebu City Hall yesterday, the 57-year old grandson of the late former Senator Vicente Rama Sr. said those who tried to bribe him want him to favor a particular project, like the creation of a public vehicle terminal.

Rama said he just told those who tried to bribe him that he cannot accept their offer in exchange for his support because he does not want to become rich by stealing public funds and accepting bribes.

The mayor’s revelation is one of his ways to discourage the traffic enforcers from becoming corrupt road law enforcers who make money by accepting bribes from the drivers they apprehend.

Rama shared his experience yesterday when he awarded plaques of recognition to the 12 traffic personnel who worked beyond their task by running after armed snatchers.

Traffic enforcers Enrico Silagan and Pete Colina assisted PO2 Adrian Cagalitan when they ran after and successfully arrested a snatcher along Sanciangko Street.

Aside from recovering the necklace and cellphone of the victim, they also seized a .38 cal. revolver from the suspect last September 4.

Rama also handed plaques of appreciation to traffic enforcers Ivan delos Santos, Glenn Gatoc and Ervic Navarro for arresting a hold-upper even if the latter was armed with a .38 caliber revolver along General Maxilom Avenue.

They also seized a .38 cal. revolver from the snatcher and recovered the victim’s wallet containing P1,500.

Traffic enforcer Mark Anthony Melendres was alone when he arrested a snatcher along Natalio Bacalso Avenue just after the latter victimized a minor by snatching one of her earrings.

Meanwhile, traffic enforcers Julito Baldago and Adonis Cafe also arrested two snatchers who victimized PUJ passengers along Pope John Paul II Avenue in Barangay Mabolo last September 13.

Three other traffic enforcers Mario Reyes, Cronnie Cabatingan and Marwin Igoy also apprehended a minor who snatched the earrings of a 63-year old woman along Colon Street on the same day.

The mayor also gave plaques to 20 other traffic enforcers who have the highest number of apprehensions against erring drivers and 20 traffic aides who have the highest amount of parking fee collections. — (FREEMAN)