Ex-Cebu City Mayor Rama, other local execs deny drug links

MANILA, Philippines – Former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama on Sunday denied President Rodrigo Duterte's allegation that he is involved in illegal drugs.

Rama was among the public officials whom Duterte said is involved in illegal drug trade. In a report by The Freeman, the former mayor clarified he is not a drug user, pusher or drug protector citing that he used to be active in anti-drug campaigns.

“How could I be a protector when the past year I have been a mayor when two of my regional directors were removed?” Rama said in his press conference.

“If I am referred as drug protector, then who is the drug lord?” he said.

Rama: Never my cup of tea promoting drugs.

— The Freeman (@TheFreemanNews) August 7, 2016

While naming the “narco-officials” during his speech, Duterte mentioned he is sorry that Rama is included in the list, saying the former mayor is his friend.  Rama, on the other hand, said he still loves Duterte for his love for the country. He said he is supportive of Duterte's anti-drug campaign and questioned the source of the president's information that he is involved in drugs.

“I don't know you overheard that I became an addict, but I am not,” Rama said.

Reports said Rama is mulling filing of charges over the drug allegations. He, however, said surrendering means “you have committed, but if your are mentioned, (there’s) no conclusion."

The former mayor said he has been meaning to meet the president for a long time, and added he is ready to face the accusations. 

“I would like to emphasize very well, the president did not make any conclusions, he might be right or wrong. Let the truth speak and the truth can only be there in the surface if we all believe in God,” Rama said.

Rama considers being named by Duterte as one of the 'narco' mayors as "only a challenge and part of the struggles."

— The Freeman (@TheFreemanNews) August 7, 2016

Rama also expressed dismay over the implication of Police Inspector Romeo Santander, former police intelligence chief of Cebu.

On the other hand, Rama’s family and friends were saddened by the naming of officials. Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgar Labella and Cebu City ABC president Philip Zafra were among those who expressed support for Rama saying they know he is not involved in drugs and is from a religious family.

Rama acknowledges support of all barangay captains under Team Rama, who are all present in the press conference. pic.twitter.com/yNZD5xii7f

— The Freeman (@TheFreemanNews) August 7, 2016

Labella cited that several buy-bust operations and efforts against drugs were made in 2014 under Rama’s administration.

Other ‘narco-officials’ deny drug involvement

Meanwhile, other public officials tagged by Duterte as involved in illegal drug activities also spoke to clear their names.

Tubao, La Union Mayor Dante Garcia, Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Maasin, Iloilo Mayor Mariano Malones, Pangasinan Rep. Jesus “Boying” Celeste, and Calbayog police chief Ibrahim Jambiran, were among the officials who denied drug involvement.

Malones said he was surprised by the news and will try his best to speak with Duterte and clear his name. Jambarin also wants to have a word with the president to deny the allegations.

Celeste also said he wants to clear his name and expressed willingness to submit to any probe against him.

On Sunday, three other officials implicated by Duterte, San Rafael, Bulacan Mayor Cipriano Violago, Bauang, La Union Mayor Martin de Guzman and former Surigao Del Sur Mayor Rasmiya Macabagos immediately went to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Crame to explain their side.

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