Despite resignation: Rama vows visibility in Sinulog planning

CEBU, Philippines — Despite his resignation as the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) chairman, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama has assured that he will still be visible in the Sinulog 2020 preparations.

Rama disclosed that he already informed the SFI members of his resignation in a meeting on Tuesday, October 29.

He said that he has his own plans for the Sinulog 2020 “being the vice mayor and father of the City Council.”

“Naa na ko’y mga plano daan kay kaniadto, bisag tulo ka tuig ko wala makaapil... bisag board of trustees ko, naa gihapon koy mga kalihokan. Karon kay naa naman ko diha sa sanggunian, naa sad koy mga kalihokan kay ako usa ka tawo nga manginlabot ug magpakabana (I have plans since then, even if I had not been active for three years, even if I was only member of the board. Now that I am part of the City Council, I have plans because I care),” said Rama.

The vice mayor did not elaborate on his plans, though.

In terms of the overall preparation for Sinulog 2020, Rama said that he cannot tell which will take over -- the SFI or the newly-formed Cebu City Sinulog Governing Board (CCSGB).

“I do not know kay dili man sad ako ang governing board. Dili sad ako ra ang sa Sinulog Foundation,” said Rama.

Rama will reportedly remain as member of SFI’s board of trustees. He said that the board will meet November 5.

Rama, in an interview on Tuesday, said he does not want to speak with Mayor Edgardo Labella about his resignation but he has nothing personal against the mayor.

However, yesterday, Rama said that he has no problem in having a dialogue with Labella regarding his resignation.

Rama has stepped down as SFI chair on Tuesday after reportedly getting snubbed by the newly-formed CCSGB in the Sinulog preparations.

Rama believes that the CCSGB, which was created by an executive order issued by Labella, should have a free hand in handling all Sinulog-related activities spearheaded by the city government.  JMD (FREEMAN)