CEBU, Philippines — Even with his name printed in the official ballot as an official candidate for mayor of Cebu City in the coming midterm elections in May, former mayor Michael Rama said he remained vigilant, knowing too well that someone is trying to put him down.
“We must always look beyond because the new thing karon as our guide is simple: expect the best, plan for the worst, prepare for surprises,” Rama told The Freeman.
Rama, a devotee of Señor Santo Niño, claimed the latest development concerning his re-election bid is another miracle, with the printing of ballots and with his name on it just before the start of the nine-day novena mass for the child Jesus.
“When I was preparing for marriage (church wedding), imagine, ila untang e-cancel akong COC pero wala man, naka file man ta…Nakakuha kog temporary restaining order (from the Supreme Court in connection with the anti-graft agency’s supposed dismissal). It was just so timely…Now, this printing of ballot with my name on it, no matter how you look at it, I claim (it as a) miracle. It cannot be denied, it’s really a miracle,” Rama said.
“Now with respect to mounting of lies and lies after lies, that I am not a candidate, now, the best evidence is the printed ballots coming from COMELEC, official ballot and lo and behold, praise the Lord. Hallelujah, salamat, Pit Senyor Santo Niño… Now, it can now be told that I am an official candidate whose name is appearing in the ballot intended for Cebu City,” he added.
Even with this “miracle,” Rama, however, asked his supporters to continue praying for him.
“We continue to seek for earnest prayers individually and collectively and also as a family. Because the family that prays together will always stay together,” Rama said, adding that even with this development, he is not lowering his guard.
Rama, who claimed that he is still the mayor despite the installation of Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, said that with his return to the City Hall he warned to just watch out, adding “abangan.”
“Dili mu-triumph ang mga yawa…maong we have to propagate as many as we can, righteous man being awaken,” ended Rama. — (FREEMAN)