Rama tells corrupt city officials to leave

Cebu City Acting Mayor Michael Rama yesterday advised corrupt City Hall officials and employees to resign from their jobs because once they will be caught doing illegal activities, they will face the maximum penalty.

Although he did not mention any names it was apparent he was referring to those assigned to different offices of City Hall that are in charge of granting permits and other kinds of documents to taxpayers.

Rama said while he and councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem were attending a social function Sunday, somebody told them about some city employees who demanded bribes in exchange for the speedy release of their documents.

“Nakadungog ko nga dili ma-issue ang permit gikan sa inyong mga opisina kon walay ibayad nga padangog. Kon magpadayon kamo sa inyong binuhatan, maayo pa og manglayas mo dinhi sa City Hall,” Rama said in his massage after the flag-raising ceremony yesterday.

Some City Hall offices that issue permits and other documents are the Office of the Building Official, the City Treasurer’s Office, the City Assessors Office and the Liquor Licensing Division, among others.

“Bag-o na karong tuig. Basin ang inyo rang mga sinina ang bag-o apan ang batasan mao lang gihapon. Mas maayo pa og bati lang gihapon ang inyong mga sinina basta ang batasan mga bag-o ug nag-usab na,” Rama said.

Rama said one of the indications that a government employee may be engaged in corrupt activities is they have expensive items such as cellular phones. Some can even afford to upgrade their phones every now and then despite their low salaries. — Rene U. Borromeo/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)