Palarong Pambansa opening: Mike gets no invite

CEBU, Philippines — Preventively-suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael yesterday admitted that he did not get an invitation for the opening of the Palarong Pambansa on July 9, but he just shrugged it off and said he would still be involved in the preparations.

“I have not received any invitation…(but) I will be involved and around,” he told a press conference he called yesterday morning.

“But I’ll be excited. Did you know, it’s not the role that I will be performing, mind you, it’s not the role, it is the fruit of our labor, the fruit of what we have agreed. Imagining what ought to be may not be a part taken or what. But the moment of truth and that is the opening,” he added.

Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and Rama’s son, Atty. Mikel Rama, were also present in the press conference.

Rama said that as the “duly elected mayor” of Cebu City, he believes that it is his obligation to update the Cebuano constituency on the upcoming big event to happen in the city.

“The Palarong Pambansa is more than just a sports event. It is a celebration of youth, talent, and the indomitable Filipino spirit,” he said, while expressing for the best and the success of Cebu City’s hosting of the sporting event on July 6 to 16.

Rama called on the Cebuanos “to be united, to cooperate, to support, and to undertake efforts” to help make the national sports event meet a resounding success.

“Political interests and opportunism must not be allowed to rear its ugly head so that our concerted efforts for a successful hosting of the Palarong Pambansa will not be derailed,” he said. He did not expound to whom he intended his words for and what he meant by them.

Despite being under preventive suspension, Rama has reiterated that he will still be involved. He said he has done it during the preparations for the Sinulog 2024 when he was on vacation leave, stressing that he can do it again.

He, however, emphasized that his physical presence may vary, depending on the opportunity.

He said he would not be a bystander, as helping in the preparation, with Hontiveros alongside him, has already been engraved in his system.

“With that award (for Cebu City to host the Palaro) or hosting, we received it really all of us when we were in Marikina much of delight, excitement, and challenge,” said Rama.

“So, I will be around. I will be around,” he added.

Although he is still under preventive suspension, which the Office of the Ombudsman slapped on him last May 8, Rama said his presence at the Palaro is not questionable since it is a public affair.

“I am not convicted in court. Even people convicted in court are already given a role and…can roam around. How much more if you’re a mayor who…is placed under preventive suspension,” he said.

Elaborating on his desired involvement with the Palaro hosting, Rama said they had a walkthrough, as it was they have promised with the contractor.

He said it was a few days ago when John Pages, Cebu City Sports Commission chairman, gave him the green light to conduct a walkthrough.

“Walk, run, and jog. From Capitol, I was wondering unsa may mahitabo diri’s Capitol. Number two, lakaw mi didto taliwa sa dan kay naa man didto ang BRT, until we end up sa Abellana, and I was very, very happy to see (it). After that, apil-apilon gihapon ko,” Rama said.

Aside from this, he also revealed that last Tuesday night, he called on people who are involved in the ongoing preparations to inform them that he will be involved.

He, however, clarified that such efforts are just an exercise of his “citizen’s responsibility” and not as a mayor, as he respects that he is under preventive suspension.

“Ingon man jud sila nga mahuman gyud in the day to come, I will then again do it. Wala man gyuy maka-stop nako maglakaw ko. Naa ba?” he said. — Nicholas Jon Malaga/RHM (FREEMAN)