Alcover urges Rama to run for senator

CEBU, Philippines — Amid fallout of political alliances, Cebu City Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover said that if Mayor Michael Rama will run for a seat in Senate, he would campaign for him, adding that the latter will be a good representation of Cebuanos in the national scene.

Alcover shared this in an interview with the media yesterday when asked on his position regarding Rama's potential senatorial bid for the 2025 elections.

"Ako personally ha, kung mudagan siya g senador, I will campaign for him. Wa nay labot sa uban, kay ako personally, that is my commitment to him kung mudagan siya," said Alcover.

However, in a previous conversation with reporters, Rama disclosed that he has already turned down an invitation to run for senator, saying that his heart is still sharp to serve the Cebuanos in the local scene.

But for Alcover, the country needs local lawmakers, such as Rama, who could represent Cebuanos in the national level.

"Kay sa pagkakaron gud, sad to say ha, ako nakaagi ko og kongreso, kinahanglan og naa kas kongreso kamao ka mu debate, kamao ka mu barog. Karon man gud ang nahitabo, porbida mag artista man ng naa sa senado, what can we expect from these people?" said Alcover.

Alcover added that an "executive function" may not be Rama's strongest suit, but as a lawyer, Rama is eligible to be in legislation.

"Akong point is kung mudagan siya (in the senate) kay kabalo kong qualified siya as a good legislator kay sayang kaayo ang Cebu, we have 3 million voters pero wa gyud tay Sugboanon," he said.

Alcover, however, stressed that this is his personal opinion as, according to him, Rama has long been exposed in legislation.

Less than a month before the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC), Cebu City s political alliances appear to be clearer as the Kusug (Kugi, Uswag Sugbo) party headed by Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia formally introduced its new members this week, which include names from their previous banner Partido Barug, that includes Alcover.

Barug, led by Rama, also separately introduced its "probable" candidates this week.

For Alcover, it wasn t them who left Rama, but the other way around after the latter accordingly declared to be an independent mayor. He added that the proclamation left them confused.

Rama, however, told reporters that he wasn t the type of person who just leaves. He refused to comment further saying that he will just let the councilors file their COC. — /ATO