Rama: No politics in plan to build twin monuments

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama dismissed politics as motive behind his plan to build twin monuments of Sergio “Serging” Osmeña Jr. and Don Vicente Rama at the Plaza Sugbu.  Rama said there was nothing political in it because it has always been part of the plan.

“That has been part of the concept when I built Plaza Sugbu on July 24, 2008. It’s not about politics. It’s always been there,” Rama said.

Rama announced the project at the 76th Cebu City Charter anniversary floral offering in front of Don Vicente’s bust inside the Bureau of Fire Protection compound.

Cebu City South District Congressman Tomas Osmeña accused Rama of using his father, Serging, to create a monument for his grandfather.

“It puts a veil over his ego tripping. No one else would do it. There certainly was no public clamor for this publicity stunt. I prefer that Mike should keep my father out of his ‘Praise Rama’ effort. What Vicente Rama did in sponsoring the City’s Charter is noteworthy, but not a great feat, as if Cebu City would not be a city without him,” the congressman said.

But Rama said his political nemesis was wrong.

“It was an error or perhaps a lapse in memory. It has never been shelved. I’m a patient person and I never stop until the project gets done,” Rama said.

Perhaps there is loss of memory here. This has always been part of the plan. In fact, the platform is there ready for the monument’s construction,” Rama added.

With Insular Life agreeing to finance the monuments, this will save the city from much debate as to where the funds for the project will be sourced, he said.

A city council resolution will finally seal the deal and give Insular Life the green light to start the project. Rama said it will be now up for the members of the council to act on it.

“Bahala na sila. Basta kita, ganahan ta mahimo na,” Rama said.

Rama decided to build statues for Don Vicente because he authored the Cebu City Charter while Serging was the first elected city mayor during the general elections on November 8, 1955.

The monuments will be created by national artist Eduardo Castrillo, who created the heritage monument in Parian. Castrillo was also awarded an adopted son of the city in the 1990s.  (FREEMAN)