Rama to speak on disaster at UN conference in Japan

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will be leaving today for Japan to speak on disaster risk reduction at the third United Nations World Conference.

Rama will be joined by Governor Hilario Davide III and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chief Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. The five-day conference will start on March 14.

Rama’s travel was approved last week by Undersecretary Austere Oanadero of the Department of the Interior and Local Government. The mayor was also issued a proper clearance by the agency that currently investigates the complaint filed by lawyer Reymelio Delute on the controversial P20,000 calamity assistance granted by the city government to its employees in 2013.  

With his absence, Rama issued a memorandum designating Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella as acting mayor.

Labella is also authorized to “sign all pertinent documents and perform such other functions as may be necessary” subject to the provisions of the Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. Labella said he will assume the duties and responsibilities of the city mayor even without an order.

“This is part of the usual and basic functions and duties even without being told. I can sign documents but not implement sanctions,” he said. — (FREEMAN)