Don’t forget real issue behind polls

CEBU, Philippines - Team Rama chairman Mayor Michael Rama does not feel bad about former Congressman Raul del Mar being endorsed by a Catholic lay group instead of his cousin Annabelle Rama, but reminded voters of the possibility of Cebu City becoming a “flyover and skywalk” city should Del Mar win.

Lay Initiative for Election 2013 released three days ago their list of endorsed candidates primarily based on their stand for or against the Reproductive Health Law.

Del Mar is with Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan which is led by Cebu City South District Congressman Tomas Osmeña, who is running against Rama.

“Their decision is part of democracy but that does not necessarily mean it’s right. I do not want to insist but I’m reminding what is the issue here,” Rama told reporters.

The mayor added that the public must not be swayed from the real issues concerning Cebu City constituency.

“Alleged mismanagement of public funds that should have been properly done, skywalks and flyovers, only meters of road infrastructure when it should have been long kilometers. I wish these issues should be highlighted and much considered,” Rama continued.

Meanwhile, a Team Rama candidate’s presence and “endorsement” at Sunday evening’s Plaza Independencia rally of Bangon Pilipinas party senatorial candidate Bro. Eddie Villanueva also did not bother Rama, but he reiterated that their party’s priority is to help their allies in United Nationalist Alliance.

“All should be reminded that the priority of Team Rama is to help UNA. As to the independent candidates to support, perhaps we will decide who to endorse two weeks before the elections,” Rama added.

While Team Rama’s Hans Abella did not inform the mayor about his presence at the rally, Rama said he is not mad because Villanueva is “a friend.”   (FREEMAN)