Rama to endorse Hontiveros for mayor?

CEBU,  Philippines — In politics, “anything can happen.”

This was the response of suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama when asked on the possibility of him endorsing acting Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros as the next mayor of the city, if not his running mate in the 2025 elections.

Although hesitant to respond to inquiries made by the media yesterday after receiving an award from the Office of the Vice President led by Vice President Sara Duterte herself, Mayor Rama said he already told Hontiveros that politics is “formless” or anything goes.

“Actually, anything can happen. In politics, I’m telling Dondon let’s all look at it formless,” Rama said.

“Anything goes, because what really matters is nation-building. What really matters for me is one Cebu Island, so you are part of One Cebu island,” added Rama.

In previous interviews before he was suspended, both Rama and acting mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia have confirmed that they will continue to be a tandem in the next election.

However, following Rama's suspension, both officials have also said their relationship has changed, with the former criticizing Garcia for his decisions as acting mayor.

For Rama and Hontiveros, both have been visibly seen more together on several occasions from official functions, even after the mayor's suspension.

Rama said he admires Hontiveros for his support as others are seemingly keeping a distance from him.

“Pero magkuyog mi pirmi no, kabantay mo? Didto mis SRP (prayer rally led by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) kami gihapon. Unya kadtong pag presscon (last Thursday), kami gihapon. Dili man ni mahadlok, puro man gud mi mga basketball player, kabalo mi mu pasa pasa sa among kaugalingon…player-coach. Kaming duha, we have the spirit of sportsmanship, win some, lose some,” Mayor Rama said.

Rama added that he actually wanted Hontiveros to receive the award from the OVP on behalf of the Cebu City government, but was told by organizers that it should be him, and Hontiveros did not mind not going up the stage.

“With the acting vice Mayor — Mayor, Vice Mayor, what not… the future of this young man is so bright. Very very bright and I'm very proud. I was downstairs and I was looking for him so that when I'm entering I'll be with him. You know what I mean? I can't be alone without this man. Been with me in troubles, in jubilation, in any kind of move. He has always been around, which I'm very proud of,” Rama shared.

As for Hontiveros, he stressed that his support for Rama stays the same.

“As I mentioned before, I've always been a team player, unsay directions sa atong leader, atong elder, it has always been team direction,” Hontiveros said.

Should Rama endorse him to run as mayor or the latter’s running mate as vice mayor, or for any other position, Hontiveros said he will be ready for it.

“Yes boy scout, maninguha ta to be ready. But again, whatever is the direction. Dakong hagit? Di sad ko maka ingon kay naa may guidance,” Hontiveros added. (CEBU NEWS)