Garcia urged to step down

CEBU, Philippines — Previously, Garcia had attributed delays in project implementations to previous administrations, citing issues in projects such as road asphalting, the wastewater treatment facility in Kalunasan (which recently had its group.

The ongoing political dispute between dismissed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and incumbent Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has escalated further, with Rama openly challenging Garcia to step down from office.

During a press conference yesterday, Feb. 21, 2025, Rama reminded the media of the disbarment charges against Garcia, questioning his integrity after the latter allegedly allowed a cockfighting event at NuStar, which Rama identified as illegal.

Rama added that a local ordinance prohibiting cockfighting had been in place since 1992, which he himself authored.

In the same press conference, Rama also aired his sentiments about Garcia taking credit for projects that were reportedly started during his administration. He argued that the current phase of these projects is still part of his governance.

“This is still my administration, actually. The problem is, for nine months, I get blamed for the asphalting. I get blamed, blamed—are you not ashamed?” said Rama.

ndbreaking), and the Cebu City Medical Center.

According to Rama, during his tenure as Cebu City Mayor, the city ranked second in infrastructure development. He also emphasized that during his time as Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer, the City Council received recognition—something, Rama claims, Garcia had not achieved.

“You step down, I’ll finish all of it. Why? I founded all of it,” said Rama.

He further argued that Garcia was merely continuing what he had started.

“I’m giving you a chance (to step down). You don’t own that position. It’s the people’s position. Would I enter here if I don’t have the mandate?” he added, referring to his visit yesterday to the City Hall.

Rama marched to Cebu City Hall yesterday to confront the City Legal Officer about the final demand letter issued against him, asking for the return of a government-issued vehicle still in Rama's possession.

In a separate interview, Garcia reiterated that City Hall is a public space, meaning anyone, including Rama, can enter to conduct official business. He added that action would only be taken if Rama’s presence disrupted City Hall’s operations.

Further, Garcia said he was not surprised with Rama inside the City Hall, adding that he knows his former ally well. Garcia explained that he avoids direct confrontation, which is why he allowed Rama to enter the City Hall.

In response to Rama’s call for him to step down from office, Garcia simply answered, “Documents first.”

“We must always remember that we are a government of laws, not of individuals. The law must prevail over everything. We cannot be under the whims and caprices of any individual,” he added.

Rama, along with seven other Cebu City Hall officials, including then-City Administrator Collin Rosell, was suspended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman on May 8.

The suspension stemmed from a complaint by four City Hall employees, who alleged they had not been paid their wages and other receivables for ten months. Rama was served his copy of the order a day later, and Garcia assumed the position of acting mayor on May 10.

Rama was supposed to resume office on Nov. 11, but on Oct. 2, the Ombudsman found him guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct for hiring his two brothers-in-law. As a result, he was dismissed from service.

The decision also ordered the cancellation of his eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits (except for accrued leave credits), and perpetual disqualification from reemployment in government service.

Both Garcia and Rama have filed their respective Certificates of Candidacy for Cebu City Mayor in the 2025 election. (CEBU NEWS)