On policy direction: Same with Rama, but diplomatic approach - Garcia

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia clarified that there is no difference between his policy direction with that of suspended Mayor Michael Rama, but rather just different “approaches”.

This was the statement of Garcia following the reaction of Rama on the former’s policy direction as it was different from what he had established prior to his preventive suspension for six months.

In a press conference yesterday, June 3, 2024, Garcia disclosed that he attended the fiesta celebration at the Rama compound last Sunday night.

According to the acting mayor, contrary to what many assume on his relationship with Rama, Garcia said he was able to shake Rama’s hands and also greeted him.

“So I don’t think there is any problem unless naa syay giingon mga bati,” said Garcia.

During an interview with The Freeman with Rama last Friday, May 31, 2024, Rama expressed that he is “bothered” over Garcia’s decisions, further emphasizing the difference in his “policy direction”.

Last May 27, 2024, Garcia signed five pending excavation permits of the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) that were accordingly left unsigned for more than a year.

The same day, members of the MCWD led by Chairman Joey Daluz alongside the management headed by General Manager Edgar Donoso, went to the Cebu City Hall to officially manifest their support towards Garcia’s mayorship.

But Rama said the collaboration of Garcia with the MCWD underscores a different policy direction and he “disagrees with it”.

Aside from signing the excavation permits of MCWD, Garcia also negotiated with the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) following the approved resolution of the Cebu City Council granting him authority to do so last May 24, 2024.

Garcia, however, clarified that negotiations with the CPA do not include giving green light on the construction of the port extension, which has been one of the main issues between the city government under Rama’s leadership and the CPA.

Yesterday, Garcia stressed that there is no “change” in the policy direction established under Rama’s administration.

“Kami ni Mayor Mike pareha gyud mig policy direction. Unsa man na nga policy direction— kaayohan sa mga Sugboanon,” said Garcia.

“I think lang, ang amo lang kalahi-an, is the approach on how to deal with concerns and issues in the city government,” he added.

Garcia said that his is a more diplomatic approach, seeing that it may gain more results.

But regardless of the different approaches, Garcia said that it shouldn’t be a problem. He added that he wouldn’t want to dwell on this, saying that it may fuel more “speculations”.

“Let’s buckle down and let’s just work,” said Garcia, emphasizing on what he wants done in the next 21 weeks he has left as acting mayor.

When asked if it is still possible for the Rama-Garcia tandem for 2024, which he has previously acknowledged, Garcia instead assured that he is positive the Partido Barug will remain united. — (FREEMAN)