Carbon Market tour, holy mass highlight Rama's campaign launch

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama said that the fight continues as he and the rest of the Partido Barug-Bag-ong Sugbo-Team Rama are hoping to accomplish the things they envisioned for the City of Cebu.

“Tuloy ang laban!," Rama said as he and his runningmate, incumbent Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and the rest of Partido Barug-Bag-ong Sugbo-Team Rama went around the Carbon Public Market yesterday after attending a mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, kicking off the official campaign trail of his team.

Rama, in an interview with The Freeman, said he refused to be distracted by negativities from people who are trying to put him down.

“Mag-apil-apil gani ka sa serbisyo unya ma-affected ka? Lisod na…Kami mga Rama among kinabuhi, career namo, panerbisyo naman…Unsaon man namo pagpanerbisyo kon dali mi ma affected, mang resign na lang mi, kon dali ra mi ma-affected…Fight lang. fight!,” Rama said.

Rama who is seeking for a re-election said that he is qualified to run, and he is optimistic that he will win in the mayoral race.

“Dakong bakak nga dili makalingkod…Ayaw paminaw sa mga bakak..Tuloy ang laban: no retreat, no surrender! Vote straight, Partido Barug Bag-ong Sugbo-Team Rama,” Rama added.

Rama's political platforms include better business opportunities, adequate water supply, resettlement and housing, urban and upland development, good governance, peace and order, comprehensive educational support, environmental sustainability, barangay welfare and development, universal healthcare programs, cultural, historical and arts, infrastructure and technology, traffic management and mass transit and youth, children and sports development.

Rama also urged his challengers to keep the campaign period peacefully.

“Let’s have peace because when the mass had ended, that what it should be, let’s have peace…We just have to see what is beyond…That is what service is all about. It does not start with quarrel, it has to be peace be with you and also for everyone and with me as well,” Rama said.

Rama said, it’s not his nature to be involved in dirty politics because he is a “Christian leader,” crediting his mother for molding him well and have an upright values.

“I’ve never changed because that’s who I am…Much molded in strength, in mind, in love,” Rama added.

While starting the day simply, Partido Barug-Bag-ong Sugbo-Team Rama had a series of campaign sorties in eight different locations -- four each in the North and South District.

Rama also disclosed his slate for Cebu City's north and south districts.

For the North District, Rama’s group has Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Franklyn Ong as its bet for congressman, while for City councilors, they are Mae Anne Aguipo, Maria Pino Buanghug, Rex Millan, Rey Lauron, Jessica Resch, Andrew “Titing” Biton, Ernest Herrera and Noel Wenceslao.

For the South District, Rama's slate included re-electionist Cong. Edu Rama, while for the City councilors, they are Mikel Rama, Nobie Abella-Cabatino, Gremar Barete, Ramon Alcoseba, Joy Pesquera, Harry Eran, Francis Esparis and Philip Zafra.

Meanwhile, supporters of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte also reportedly expressed support for Rama. Duterte had earlier endorsed Rama's candidacy and his team.

Vice President Sara Duterte is also reportedly supporting Rama’s team. (CEBU NEWS)