Rama tells Garcia: Stay out of Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines — Suspended mayor Michael Rama tells acting Mayor Raymond Garcia to back off and cease whatever plans he has for the Sinulog 2025.

Rama said Garcia should not involve himself in the planning of the upcoming festival because he is not part of the Sinulog Foundation nor in the Sinulog Executive Committee.

Garcia’s declaration to bring back the Sinulog Grand Parade to Cebu City Sports Center next year did not sit well with Rama who has been pushing for the Sinulog to be held at the South Road Properties (SRP) despite strong opposition from other local officials, including Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

The acting mayor has already announced that the preparations for the Sinulog 2025 cannot wait for Rama’s return, after serving his six months preventive suspension, in November. But Rama said the Sinulog should remain at the SRP for safety reasons.

“Ayaw siya’g patuga-tugahag plano, ayaw…kay kanang Sinulog, Foundation na…Member siya didto?...wala… Maong ayaw siya patuga-tugaha,” Rama said.

Rama sits as chairman of the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated with Engineer Ricky Dakay as president. According to Rama, the SFI already has plans for next year’s Sinulog.

“Dugay na mi gaplano ani uy…ngano gung mag apil-apil sila?” Rama added.

Rama admitted that he is anticipating another executive board that would involve the governor and former presidential assistant Michael Dino.

“Ila na sang buhaton tong executive board unya manghawod na sad ang gobernador?...or manghawod na sad si Michael Dino? Come on…enough is enough,” Rama said.

In 2019, the late mayor Edgardo Labella issued an Executive Order (EO) creating the Sinulog Governing Board with the primary role of organizing and overseeing the Sinulog Festival. The governing board has 24 members, including the governor of Cebu. — (FREEMAN)