Former mayor intent on running in 2025: Only death can stop me - Rama

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who was ordered dismissed from service and banned from holding any government office, yesterday declared that “only death” can stop him from running for mayor in 2025.

He made the statement during a press conference at Casino Espan?ol in Cebu City, where he and various candidates from different parts of Cebu province, including neighboring cities of Cebu City, and even from Bohol, gathered to announce their alliance dubbed “Team Liberate Cebu” (TLC) under the banner of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) party.

Rama, PDP national vice president for the Visayas, is firm that he would vie for the position despite the recent Office of the Ombudsman verdict that found him guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct.

The decision carried with it the penalty of dismissal from service and perpetual disqualification from holding any government position.

Yesterday, however, Rama said no one could stop him from seeking another mandate as mayor of the Cebu City.

“And no man stops me from running for mayor of the city of Cebu. Only death,” he said.

“Balikon nako. Kamatayon lang,” he added.

He said he is motivated to run because corruption and people suffering due to poverty cannot just ignored.

“Tuga-tuga mo’g sulod sa panerbisyo, nya wa moy Ginoo? Pahawa kay yawa,” he said, without specifying whom he was referring to.

He said change would only take place if there is the PDP, but admitted that many have left the group.

“Maygani kay naabot mo. Kaniadto, pagkadaghang magpaisa og PDP-Laban,” Rama said.

Rama and seven others, including then city administrator Collin Rosell and Rosell’s wife Theresa, were put on a six-month preventive suspension by the Ombudsman last May for their failure to pay for 10 months the salaries and other receivables of four City Hall employees.

Last October 2, the Office of the Ombudsman found Rama guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct over the hiring of his two brothers-in-law and was meted the penalty of dismissal from service.

Rama was also punished with cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, except for accrued leave credits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in government service. — /RHM (FREEMAN)