UNA invites Team Rama

CEBU, Philippines - The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) of Vice President Jejomar Binay and former President Joseph Estrada has officially invited Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama onboard.

In a statement sent to The FREEMAN, Binay confirmed UNA has extended an invitation to Rama to join the team because the party believes Rama represents a competent, caring and transparent governance.

“Under his leadership, the people of Cebu have seen continued growth and share in the fruits of progress through various economic and social services. We are honored to have him as our official candidate for Mayor of Cebu City,” Binay said.

Rama has bolted the Liberal Party after he failed to receive the party’s nomination.

LP chose the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan whose leader, Rep. Tomas Osmeña, supported LP during the last election, but remained independent from the party.

Only Rama joined LP but he was not chosen to carry the party’s banner next year.

This prompted Rama to sever his ties with the group and declared independence starting last Sunday.

Rama was mum on the possibility of joining a different political party although there is a pending offer from the UNA for him and his team.

Rama said earlier Team Rama is yet to discuss the matter as a group and will announce in due time.

As of yesterday, the mayor has not given the media a categorical answer about the issue.

This gives Rama four days from today until the last day of filing of certificate of candidacy to decide.

However, Binay’s spokesperson, Joey Salgado, revealed that the mayor has accepted the invitation when he and Binay met in a wedding party Saturday night.

Rama reportedly got UNA’s invitation last Saturday night, hours after he received a call from LP President Mar Roxas informing him that LP is supporting BOPK.

“Huwaton lang nato na. Kay kung musulti ko unya wala’y dokumento, bati kaayo paminawn,” Rama said.

He said he is still waiting for the documents and that there are some things that need to be sorted out before Team Rama decides on the matter.

He clarified he is not closing doors to UNA, even after his experience with his previous national party.

 “In politics, it is not over until it’s over,” Rama said.

Yesterday, Rama held a closed-door meeting with the employees of the Mayor’s Office and General Service Office (GSO). He is expected to meet with the other departments today.

During the flag-raising ceremony, Rama explained to the employees why he severed his ties with LP.

He also told them to just continue working and not to engage in partisan politics. Otherwise, they will have to resign from their positions.  (FREEMAN)