CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama expressed his gratitude to the Catholic Church for their pronouncement that he and his runningmate, councilor Edgardo Labella, are closer to them than his predecessor and opponent, outgoing congressman Tomas Osmeña.
“I did not expect them to come out with such statement. But, thanks very much,†Rama said who revealed he will personally handle the planning and preparations for the International Eucharistic Congress 2016 where Cebu is hosting.
Rama said he will make sure things will run smoothly, especially that Pope Francis is expected to attend.
Rama revealed he met with Archbishop Jose Palma Thursday when he arrived in Cebu after his vacation.
He is also set to meet with Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal.
Rama paid the two a visit shortly before the May 13 elections.
Meanwhile, Rama revealed that he has read the election protest that Osmeña filed before COMELEC Manila although he is yet to get his official copy.
“I have not received my official copy. But I read it because someone lent us theirs. There was no proof that Mike Rama instructed these people who submitted their affidavits saying they were given money to vote for Team Rama,†Rama told reporters.
Osmena, who heads Bando Osmena Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), got his first taste of political defeat courtesy of his former protégé and now nemesis, Rama.
The outgoing congressman’s runningmate, outgoing vice mayor Joy Young who lost his reelection bid to outgoing councilor Labella also submitted his own protest.
Both Osmena and Young accused their opponents of being involved in electoral manipulation, specifically vote buying, that led to their victory. —(FREEMAN)