Lawyer sues Rama for poll violation

CEBU, Philippines - A lawyer has filed a complaint against Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama before the Commission on Elections, accusing the latter of violating the Omnibus Election Code.

Lawyer Reymelio Delute, who is running for barangay captain in San Nicolas Basak against the mayor’s cousin and incumbent barangay captain George Rama, filed the complaint yesterday morning.

Delute’s complaint stemmed from Rama’s alleged failure to disclose in his Statement of Contribution and Expenditures (SOCE) and the Schedule of Contributions the P3 million campaign contribution by his cousin and congressional candidate Annabelle Rama.

Sec.262 in relation to Sec.109 of the Omnibus Election Code states, “The SOCE shall be complete…the amount of contribution, the date of receipt, and the full name and exact address of the person from whom the contribution was received.”

The OEC stressed that if the candidate of the party has received no contribution, made no expenditure, or has no pending obligation, the SOCE shall reflect such fact.

Rama, in his SOCE, only reportedly declared the campaign contribution from Mariquita Yeung amounting to P1 million during the May elections.

Barangay Captain George Rama, the brother of Annabelle, said Mayor Rama returned the P3 million to his sister months ago.

George said it was the reason why Mayor Rama did not declare the amount in his SOCE.

“Alangan amo pa i-headline nga giuli ni Mike, na amo man na pagbuot sa pamilya. Ngano magbuot man sila (Delute)?”  George said.

Annabelle had said she gave the money to Mayor Rama for her campaign being a political neophyte.

Annabelle, who lost to Rep. Raul del Mar, then asked for a refund after the election. -/LPM (FREEMAN)