Mike Rama ready for anything

CEBU, Philippines - Amid developments at the Capitol over the suspension of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, there are also talks that Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who has bolted the Liberal Party (LP) and joined the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), might be next.

Rama is also facing administrative complaints filed against him over the last two and half years of his mayorship in City Hall.

Many think he might suffer the same fate as the governor, who was suspended for six months allegedly as a political strategy of the President in favor of his allies in Cebu.

Rama said in his regular news conference yesterday that he is prepared to face anything.

He said he is confident his predecessor, Rep. Tomas Osmeña, deserved to be suspended more over the complaints against him.

Rama is facing several charges filed by Mahiga settlers, the heirs of Rallos and recently, the officers of the Association of Barangay Councilors.

Rama was sued by the informal settlers evicted from the three-meter easement of Mahiga creek for an alleged abuse of authority.

The informal settlers alleged they were demolished without proper consultation and without adequate relocation.

The petition for injunction the same informal settlers filed before the court was already dismissed. This admin case is still pending in the Ombudsman.

Rama was also sued by the heirs of Fr. Vicente Rallos for his continuous refusal to pay the P133-million payment to the Rallos lot now used as a barangay road.

Just recently, the ABC headed by its President Michael Ralota also filed a criminal case before the Ombudsman for an alleged technical malversation of funds involving the P5 million aid of the city to the ABC that was allegedly used by the mayor illegally for other purpose.

The ABC also threatened to file an administrative complaint against Rama for abuse of authority before the President.

Osmeña, on the other hand, was also sued before the Ombudsman by Rama over the former’s acceptance of two US Sedans that was reportedly supposed to be donated to the City Government.

In the same complaint, Rama questioned his authority to use the Cebu City seal in the vehicles.

The vehicles also have “Cebu City Police” markings and overhead sirens.

Osmeña was also recently sued for graft and corruption over the Rallos payment. A certain Jack Rallos sued Osmeña and four others for allowing the garnishment of P52 million in favor of the Rallos heirs allegedly despite knowing the existence of a convenio that shows the property has been donated to the city government.  (FREEMAN)