Rama wants Labella to ditch IBP debate

CEBU, Philippines — One week to the anticipated debate organized by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines - Cebu City Chapter, former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama hopes to convince his running mate in Partido Barug, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, to back out.

Rama believes Labella does not need to join the debate because he is reportedly leading in surveys. He said the debate will only put Osmeña on the spotlight.

“He's doing very well in the survey so why face Tommy (Mayor Tomas Osmeña)? Now Tommy is reacting. If I can persuade Edgar, don't join the debate,” Rama said.

Labella is running for mayor while Rama is running for vice mayor.

IBP said the debate on April 22 aims to help voters decide who to pick in the May 13 elections.

Labella, Osmeña, and the mayor’s running mate, Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos, have accepted the IBP invitation.

As of yesterday, however, Labella said he will stand by his word.

“Well, I respect the opinion of [former] Mayor Mike. Of course, that’s true, I’m very much ahead in the surveys [but] I will have to go on because I have made my statement that there’s going to be a debate in the 22nd and I’m participating it. [However], I respect the view of former mayor Mike Rama [and] I am humbled with [his] statement,” Labella told the Freeman.

Rama has already turned down the invitation because he is reportedly beating De los Santos in the surveys.

Facebook exchanges

Meanwhile, Rama defended Labella on trading barbs with Osmeña online.

“As I look at it, my mayor Labella is just doing what I call [an] act of self-preservation because it was Tommy (Osmeña) attacking, and I don't think mayor Labella will take matters sitting down,” Rama said.

He said he commends Labella for the way he is handling the exchange.

The exchange began when Osmeña posted on Facebook photos of documents that reportedly reveal Labella requesting the police to release a motorcycle owned by a certain Odelo Ybañez that has been impounded.

Labella responded to Osmeña’s allegations, saying the documents cannot be used against him because followed procedure. Raizza Aliviado (FREEMAN)