Rama: Good ties between mayor, councilors needed

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City vice mayoral candidate and former mayor Michael Rama wants to enhance the synergy between the executive and legislative departments.

During the #KnowYourCandidate with The FREEMAN yesterday, Rama said his first priority once elected into office is to strengthen the ties between the important branches of the government.

“It will be an executive-legislative joint agenda,” he said.

#KnowYourCandidate is an interview series for the CEBU VOTE, the election coverage of The FREEMAN and Banat News.

Rama said he was able to fulfill his duties as presiding officer of the City Council during his stint as vice mayor from 2001 to 2010.

The city was recognized twice in 2006 and 2009 as the country’s Best City Council, he said.

“Together we can make the legislative body number one again,” said Rama.

His platforms of government include world-class legislative system, barangay empowerment through efficient delivery of basic services and programs, and promotion of general welfare.

Aside from united council, Rama wants to lobby legislations that would protect the Cebu City Medical Center from privatization, to institute power generation infrastructure and to establish globally competitive internet and communication infrastructures.

Also, Rama has vowed to address the recurring problems on flood, garbage, and traffic.

He said the implementation of water catchment system and of community-based and modern technology garbage disposal, expansion of diversion roads, and development of subways and inter-city highways, among others will address the said problems.

He also said the issues could easily be addressed if all concerned local government units will work together.

“All can be very well addressed in an integrated metropolitan concept,” he said.

When asked if he will support the executive department if Osmeña is reelected as mayor.

 “He’s (Osmeña) not going to win. You try to look at tonight’s (last night) miting de avance that will stamp and assure victory for my mayor (Labella),” he said. — KBQ (FREEMAN)