Tionko: Mayor also accused Rama of defending "drug lord"

CEBU, Philippines - James Philip “Jimboy” Tionko, an independent candidate for city councilor, yesterday presented evidence in his rebuttal of the libel case raised against him by the mayoralty candidate and Vice Mayor Michael Rama.

During a press conference yesterday, Tionko pointed to Mayor Tomas Osmeña as his first witness to prove his claims that Rama allegedly defended Crisostomo Llaguno who also goes by the nickname “Tata Negro”.

He presented a local tabloid dated March 21, 2009, that ran the headline: “TOM: MIKE ‘DRUG LORD PROTECTOR”. He said that Osmeña was the first who laid the accusation on Rama and therefore the mayor must also be targeted by Rama. 

While showing a photo of Rama wearing a basketball outfit, Tionko said that the latter was a guest speaker in a basketball tournament which was sponsored by Llaguno. He refused to reveal where he got the photo.

“Nganong wala man ka sakiti pagsulti ni Mayor Tom aning panahona nga gi-akusahan ka’g drug lord protector… Gipaak ka og leon pero mas nasakitan ka sa pinaakan sa usa ka hulmigas?” Tionko said.

Rama earlier admitted that he warned the policemen who wanted to search Llaguno’s house in barangay Sambag 1 last year because they did not have a warrant. The policemen said they just wanted to run after a man who fired a gun during a drug raid and allegedly ran to Llaguno’s house.   The media was also involved, according to Tionko.

“Why sue the messenger? Nganong hasta taga-media imong apilon?”

Tionko, who advocates for a drug-free society and campaigns against narcopolitics, also questioned why his black ribbons were removed from the streets while ribbons of other colors were left untouched.

As an ending statement, he addressed Mayor Osmeña saying, “Sa akong pinalanggang mayor... pagbantay kay basin inig lingkod ni Rama pagka-mayor, ikaw na pud ang iyang sunod ikiha.” (FREEMAN NEWS)