Rama clan defends Mike from allegations hurled by Tionko

CEBU, Philippines - The Rama clan has defended Cebu City mayoralty candidate Vice Mayor Michael Rama from accusations made by James Philip “Jimboy” Tionko that he is a “drug lord protector.”  

Former Cebu vice governor Enrique Rama said the allegations thrown at his cousin were baseless, accusing John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña as the one behind the black propaganda against the vice mayor.

“I am very sad sa gibuhat ni Sonny. Nakalimot si Sonny nga ang mga Rama dako kaayo’g tabang niya,” Enrique, a lawyer, said.

Osmeña was said to be a good friend of Eduardo Rama, a former governor of Agusan del Norte and a brother of Mike Rama.

Osmeña, who had withdrawn his candidacy for mayor yesterday, is said to have close ties with Tionko, an independent candidate for the City Council.  

The vice mayor, who was being accused of Tionko as protector of alleged drug lord Crisostomo Llaguno, had filed a libel suit against Tionko last Thursday.

An emotional Leila Rama-Nuñez, the sister of Mike Rama, questioned the allegations against her brother.

Lawyer Dario Rama said the allegations are not true, adding the vice mayor did not even interfere in the drug issue involving his son.

With regard to Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s statement that Mike was a “drug lord protector,” the Rama clan said the mayor had admitted that his statement was a “lapse of judgment.”

“Kadtong time nga gisulti to ni Tommy, wala mi masakitan adto kay opinion ra man to niya,” Dario said. – THE FREEMAN