Despite Rama’s harsh words: Raymond still considers Mike a political ally

CEBU, Philippines — Amidst criticisms on his policy direction by suspended Mayor Michael Rama since he assumed as acting mayor, Raymond Alvin Garcia, a lawyer, said he still sees him as “political ally and friend.”

This was acting Mayor Garcia’s response to sour remarks against him and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia by Rama in a press conference last Monday, when Rama lambasted both for having the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

Among those that Rama questioned in a prepared video is the policy direction of the acting mayor, who championed the diplomatic approach in dealing with Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) and Cebu Port Authority (CPA) officials to work out a win-win solution, compared to Rama’s more hardline stance.

Rama expressed disappointment that Acting Mayor Garcia allegedly has not upheld his promise to refrain from interfering with Rama’s policies, despite their alliance in the last elections.

Acting Mayor Garcia’s approach, though, has resulted in, among others, the signing of excavation permits for the piping of water from Lusaran and CPA leadership agreeing to a possible partnership in developing Compan?a Maritima and the Puso Village near Carbon Public Market.

Despite the latest barbs from Rama, he remains unaffected because he understands the ways of the suspended mayor.

He cited as example the administration of the late mayor Edgardo Labella, when Rama, then the vice mayor, also criticized his (Labella) leadership.

“In fact, during the time of Mayor Labella, he also criticized Mayor Labella. It's his right, I will give it to him, kay iya man gyud pod nang katungod pod nga moistorya,” Acting Mayor Garcia said.

“I'm used to it. I will take it as constructive criticism for me to improve in my work as the acting mayor of Cebu City,” he added.

Since Garcia’s assumption as acting mayor last May 10, Rama has been manifesting his dislike of his (Garcia) policy direction, as he saw it as defiance of his and of what he has established.

During the press conference he called last Monday, Rama reminded Acting Mayor Garcia on the City Government’s autonomy from the Cebu Provincial Government.

He emphasized this point after highlighting his feud with CPA, where the governor sided with the CPA, saying diplomacy should not be used to “cover up any illegality.”

CPA and Rama feuded over the ownership of the Compania Maritima structure and the baseport expansion of the CPA that do not have permits from the City.

Rama also mentioned the Capitol’s alleged power play that resulted in further delays in the construction of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit.

To recall, Rama filed an administrative case against Gov. Garcia before the Office of the President for allegedly usurping judicial and/or quasi-judicial powers over a national project for the Cebuanos, the CBRT.

This came after Garcia issued a cease-and-desist order to the project's contractor.

Rama also faced complaints for grave misconduct, oppression, and grave abuse of authority, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, conduct unbecoming of a public official, violation of Republic Act (RA) 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees) by the MCWD Board of Directors led by Attorney Jose “Joey” Daluz III and General Manager Edgar Donoso.

Further, the CPA also filed complaints for oppression, misconduct, negligence, and abuse of authority after Rama allegedly encroached on CPA's jurisdiction, ignored its authority, and disobeyed a court injunction.

Asked if he still sees Rama as his friend or a political ally, despite the bitter words Rama has spoken, Garcia answered, “Definitely.”

“Dugay na kaayo ko niingon nga si Mayor Mike is a political ally. In fact, in 2013, when I ran, he supported me. In 2016, I ran under his ticket also, ninong pa nako siya sa kasal. He is still a friend, I still look up to him, he still has my highest respect,” Garcia said.

He added that his diplomacy approach will continue, emphasizing that it has shown results that solve the problems and issues of the city.

He cited the cultivation of a “good relationship” with the Cebu Provincial Government, MCWD, and the CPA as being due to his effective diplomatic approach.

“We have a good relationship with the governor, MCWD, CPA. It's working, naay resulta. Development atong tumong,” Acting Mayor Garcia said.

On the holding of the Capitol’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo at the CCSC on Aug. 25, Rama said it does not make sense.

“Lisod man gud kaayo nga imong [babagan] because that is a public place. And for as long as naay gusto mugamit and pagtugot sad sa local government unit, ato man nang ipagamit. And besides, nganong dili man?” Acting Mayor Garcia said, in response.

He said Pasigarbo at CCSC is an avenue to show “unity,” as it will be graced by all municipalities, component cities, and highly urbanized cities of Cebu. Cebu City is a guest contingent in the upcoming Pasigarbo, making it the 52nd participant.

He said having the Pasigarbo sa Sugo this year is an honor for Cebu City.

“The local officials are watching Pasigarbo sa Sugbo celebrating their respective festivals. Dako kaayo na nga garbo sa siyudad sa Sugbo nga kitay gipili isip mo-host nila. So, I don’t understand and I don’t get the reason nganong dili didto (sa CCSC),” acting Mayor Garcia said.

He said he also saw no reason to turn down the request, as acceding to it is an opportunity to show that we are, indeed, a “One Cebu Island”. –/RHM (FREEMAN)