Why there was a ‘backstage’ SOCA: Mike Rama says public has right to be informed

CEBU, Philippines — The camp of preventively suspended Mayor Mike Rama said it is the public’s right to be informed, which is the “Constitutionally-backed” reason why he held his owns “State of the City Address (SOCA)” a day after Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia did his.

“It’s a solemn duty to do the report. In fact, Section 444, Section 455, and 465, in the Local Government Code is emphasizing that mayors, elected mayors, will have to do a reporting, especially on matters that will need appropriations or support coming from the Sanggunian and the people,” said Atty. Collin Rosell, who is likewise serving a six-month preventive suspension along with Rama, his wife Theresa Rosell, as well as five other City Hall officers.

Rama dubbed his version as “BaSOCA,” of a “Backstage SOCA”, which he could not deliver in official capacity as mayor after the Office of the Ombudsman Visayas suspended him along with Rosell and the others last May 9 due a complaint filed by four regular employees who were deprived of their salary for 10 months, hence the “backstage” term.

Right after the event, Rama held a press conference with Rosell, Atty. Mikel Rama (the mayor’s son), City Councilor Phillip Zafra, and Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros, among others.

During the press conference, Rosell highlighted the people’s right to be “informed,” which he said is embodied in the Constitution, particularly the right of the public to participate in decision making.

“So, kana siya tanan, naa pa gyuy bottom line ana, public officers and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people,” Rosell said.

Rama’s “BaSOCA” began with a mass that was followed by a short program that included an audio-visual presentation (AVP) showing his accomplishments from July 2023 to April 2024, or the months prior to his suspension.

The AVP emphasized “giving credit where credit is due” and highlighted the mayor’s contribution to the city’s progress.

The report included the establishment of transition shelters of displaced families as well as the construction of medium-rise buildings of a total of 30,000 housing units. Rama said he has accordingly begun negotiations to realize this project.

He then highlighted the “Tara, Basa” initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) that he said to promote literacy and love for reading among the Cebuano youth.

Rama has also taken note on the success of hosting bookmarked events such as the Sinulog 2024 at the South Road Properties (SRP) and the holding of the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA).

He likewise cited his leadership that led to the completion of the rehabilitation of the Cebu City Sports Center in preparation for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2024.

Right after the presentation, Rama delivered his brief message.

“Finally, I am the people’s mayor. I have been awarded by People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), as the people’s manager. And I will continue to be the people’s servant. I guarantee until the last breath of my blood…I will continue to serve,” he said

Rama also said that it may be a “backstage” SOCA, but the support got was more than what he could ask for.

He reminisced about the time when his political party, Partido Barug-PDP Laban, presented its official lineup for the 2022 elections two years ago, including Hontiveros and Zafra.

“Kani silang duha, the same venue…dinhi man among presentation of candidates (sa Casino Espan?ol)…. Thrilling kaayo. Looking back, I was expecting someone committing to come, but he did not come. But the two that I was a little bit anxious, they came…and I am referring to Dondon Hontiveros and Philip Zafra,” he said.

“What an evening (that was), what an occasion…. Ang akong t-shirt gihatag ilang gi sablay ra…pero lipay gihapon ko,” Rama said.

“Lipay kayo kog samot because look at them, karong gabhi-ona, the test of political maturity has been profoundly displayed,” he further said.

Aside from Hontiveros and Zafra, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation presidents led by City Council Ex-officio Member Rhea Jakosalem were also present, along with former SK Federation Head Jessica Resch.

Barangay officials, current and former and including some identified as allied with BOPK, were also in attendance, although not as many as that of the Rama-led Independence Day celebration, with a source saying some have become hesitant after the issue on the use of government vehicles in the Independence Day celebration came out.

Barangays identified as represented included Guba, Parian San Roque, Sambag 1 and 2, Ermita, Mabini, Day as, Luz, Apas, Budlaan, Bacayan, Adlaon, Day as, San Nicolas, Cogon Pardo, Suba, Pasil, Kalunasan, Paril, Agsungot, Busay, Apas, San Antonio, Pit os, Lorega, Tejero, Quiot, Sudlon2, Bulacao, Basak Pardo, inayawan, Cogon Pardo, Duljo, Tisa, Carreta, Sibugay, Tinago, Kinasang an, Zapatera, Ramos, Bulacao, Suba, Pasil, Malubog, Binaliw, Buhisan, Mambaling,  and Malubog.

With this, Rama re-assured their all-out support to the barangays, regardless of political colors.

“I will support all of you...no distinction, from the bottom of my heart,” Rama.

Ram also acknowledged his family, friends and relatives and the media and the rest of those who filled up the grand ballroom of Casino Espanol and the rest who were monitoring and continuing to support him.

“You are all my strength. If you are not all with me, I will be weakened,” Rama said.

Rama’s nephew, Congressman Edu Rama, missed the event for another important matter while another city councilor and ally, Joy Pesquera, joined the mayor and rest at the end of the press conference. — /RHM (FREEMAN)