Rama defends PIO head

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama downplayed the complaint filed by an anonymous taxpayer from Butuan City before the Office of the Ombudsman against his information office head Florito Carlo Dugaduga.

Rama said moon lighting or “raket” is normal and even practiced by other government employees.

“As long as it does not affect his job (in Cebu City), it is okay. Most important thing is he is not absent when I need him,” Rama told reporters.

According to the complaint, Dugaduga was allegedly receiving money for “barking” for Butuan mayor Ferdinand Amante.

The Cebu City PIO head admitted “helping” his friend because “he believes in his advocacy” but denied monetary compensation.

Defending his employee, Rama said what Dugaduga was doing is an exercise of “freedom of speech” emphasizing the difference of campaigning and expressing support.

“Lahi man nang mu-kampanya ka or mu-pronounce ka nga mao ni akong suportahan nga kandidato, (Campaigning or expressing support for a candidate is different.)” the mayor explained.

Despite supporting another candidate in Mindanao, he has never failed the mayor, Rama added.

“He does not neglect his duties as Cebu City PIO head. He’s here when I need him. And when he leaves Cebu City, he either takes a leave or do it on a non-working day,” he said. —/MIT (FREEMAN)