In next year’s elections: Rama to run but not with Garcia

CEBU, Philippines — Suspended Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama is bent on seeking re-election in the May 2025 elections, but has removed acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia from his list of possible running mates.

This even as Garcia earlier said that he still considers Rama as a “political ally and a friend.”

Rama, in an interview yesterday by The Freeman columnist and DYHP’s Atty. Ruphil Bañoc, instead confirmed the alliance of Partido Barug and Team Rama with Liga ng mga Barangay-Cebu City chapter president Franklyn Ong.

When asked if he is still pushing through with his re-election bid, Rama confirmed, saying “of course,” but did not elaborate as to who his running mate would be.

Prior to his suspension, Rama, as well as Garcia have both confirmed that Cebu City can expect their tandem in the May 2025 election.

Rama's re-election bid though, according to some sources, depends on the turn of events after his preventive suspension ends by the first week of November.

Rama said his suspension should be noted for being served so quickly, yet he stands firm that he is not at fault regarding the accusations against him and does not have any corruption issues.

On the other hand, Rama revealed a list of individuals currently aligned with their group but did not disclose the positions they will be running for.

The list includes his nephew incumbent Congressman Edu Rama; his son lawyer Mikel Rama; acting vice mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros; city Councilors Joy Pesquera, Francis Esparis, Philip Zafra and Noel Wenceslao; Bacayan barangay captain Winston Pepito; Cogon-Pardo’s Harry Eran, along with Maria Pino, Dr. Peter Mancao, Harold Go, and Jessica Resch.

Rama also mentioned the names Karla and Carillo, but did not disclose their full names during the interview.

The Freeman tried to seek for clarification, but was unavailable as of this writing.

Rama also said they have “alternate” candidates— BCLP president Dante Tabucar, Eric Espina, Althea Lim, Buhisan barangay captain Gremar Barete, Jerone Castillo, Collin Rusell, Ian Hassamal,  Kalunasan Brgy. Litoy Ceniza, and Sonia Cal.

When asked on the inclusion of Raymond Garcia, Rama said they all have to be fair.

“Kay kon imo usbon lang nimo for accommodation then you displease another one, it’s rather you have to bite the bullet,” he said.

“If you are looking at it, if sa basketball pa ni, we have a deep bench,” Rama added.

Rama said, they have agreed as a group that they will make their final announcement at the proper time.

As for Cutie del Mar, Mayor Rama said, “It’s not over until its over..kaming grupuha iyahay mig paminaway kay di man mi mga panuway”.

At this point, each of them continues to observe each other’s move but stresses that they listen to each other.

“Partido Barug, Team Rama unya pag final tanan---Bag-ong Sugbo,” Rama said.

Rama further stated that he is not worried about the split with Garcia.

“Naa ra gyud nas mga tawo. Maong gusto ko nga mang file na mi. Let’s see the scattered, makita lang katag. It’s all here, listahan nga nag hope ko we can be a family that prays together, stays together. That all is well that ends well…pero naa man sad silay ilang kaugalingong karon nga ilaha,” he said.

“I will reserve comment inig file na gyud…Ang importante, magbinantayan gyud,” Rama said, adding that focus of the 2025 election should be local.

“It becomes an error kon ang imong utok, imong i-national," he said. — /ATO (FREEMAN)