Probe on Dodge cars with Tom starts

CEBU, Philippines - While he has yet to receive a copy of the subpoena issued by the Office of the Visayas Ombudsman, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama expressed relief that the probe on the Dodge Charger painted like a police car has started.

“Arang-arang kay milihok na gyud sila. Nganung pangayuan man ko nila ug ebidensya? Wa may mikiha so ako ang mibarog sa kaso,” Rama told reporters.

The case involved Rama’s former ally and now rival Rep. Tomas Osmeña who is being grilled why he has in his possession two American-made sedans which used to be owned by Bigfoot Entertainment chairman Michael Gleissner.

The mayor pointed to the news which quoted the Osmeñas as having inconsistent statements.

“Misulti na ang bana, misulti na ang asawa, nasuwat sa news. Unya kinahanglan pa gyud nga ako’y muhatag ug ebidensya?  Unsa man diay na akong na-mention, liars?” Rama told reporters.

Rama claimed the two cars were donated by Gleissner to the city government in 2009.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña, wife of the congressman, earlier said the vehicles were given to them and not to the city government.

However, Tomas said they refused Gleissner’s offer and had his sister Minnie and nephew Paulo buy the cars.

Bigfoot invested at the South Road Properties, owned by the city government in 2007.

Meanwhile, answering accusations that Rama is much favored by the Commission on Elections and the Office of the Ombudsman, he reiterated that he is not even an ally of the president.

“I was not endorsed by Liberal Party which is the administration party and they have more connections at these agencies if we examine it,” he explained.

As to the ombudsman, he said the agency is not running after him because he did not violate the law.

“Wala man ko mangawat. Unsa man akong gi-violate? Ang ilang gipangita kanang mga kawatan, abusado,” Rama added.   (FREEMAN)