Young likens Rama to dictator

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young has likened Mayor Michael Rama to a dictator for prohibiting City Hall employees from joining the political gatherings of his opponents.

Young said that Rama should make it clear to all city officials and employees that they are not also allowed to attend even in his own political gatherings to show that he is not biased.

Rama has warned city employees that they will be terminated if caught joining the political activities of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

In fact, Young said some casual employees were already terminated because they were seen on photograph near South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña during a recent gathering.

Some City Hall employees interviewed by The FREEMAN on condition of anonymity said that Rama should make it clear whether it is illegal for them to attend and listen to speeches of politicians during “pulong-pulong.”

“Duna diay balaud nga nagdili nga maminaw ta sa mga isyu sa politiko aron masabtan nato kinsa kanila ang maayong botohan? Ang illegal kon kami nga mga empleyado magkuyog-kuyog sa mga politiko, labi na og sakop sa speakers bureau (is there a law that prohibits us from listening to issues concerning politicians for us to understand and know whom to vote for? It is illegal if an employee goes along with the politician, especially if he is a member of the speakers bureau),” one employee said.

Both the BOPK and the camp of Rama have already started conducting pulong-pulongs in the different barangays.  (FREEMAN)