Duterte endorses Rama for congress

CEBU, Philippines —  President Rodrigo Duterte has endorsed the candidacy of Councilor Eduardo “Edu” Rama for congressman of Cebu City’s south district.

Rama, nephew of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, got the endorsement from the President during a private dinner at Mactan-Benito Ebuen Airbase in Lapu-Lapu City last Thursday.

“I am honored and humbled by the endorsement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” said the younger Rama.

Rama, in an interview, quoted President Duterte: “Public interest and public service go together. Pagpili mo’g kanang moserbisyo, moserbisyo gyud alang sa mga tawo.”

Edu has been serving as councilor of Cebu City for 18 years.

“We have been faithfully representing and serving the people of the south district for 18 years. In that time, we strived to uplift the lives of our fellow Cebuanos in the south district by bringing them opportunities and addressing their concerns and needs. We passed several pieces of meaningful legislation, which have empowered and aided the Cebuano people, from solo parents to the youth and many more,” said Edu.

As councilor, he said he has chaired the committees on manpower, development, and placement, social services, information, and communications technology,  and cooperative and livelihood and has been part of the City’s Youth Development Commission, the local small and medium enterprises development council and cooperative council, National Movement of Young Legislators and the  Cebu City Private Sector Organizations and Monitoring Board.

Aside from that, Edu also showcased the major ordinances that he authored and resolutions passed, as well as programs initiated and facilitated.

He said that if he will win as district representative, his track record can even be improved further.

“This endorsement (of President Duterte) means a lot to me, as it shows that the president has trust and confidence in me and my track record of service to the people,” Edu said.

Edu will face Bebot BG Abellanosa in the race to Congress in the May 9, 2022 elections.

Abellanosa, who is in his mid-20s and a neophyte politician, is the son of the incumbent South District representative Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa.

BG replaced former mayor Tomas Osmena  who withdrew his candidacy as he said he wants to focus his energy in campaigning for his wife, Margot, who is running for mayor, and the rest of the Bando Osmena Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) ticket.

Prior to Thursday’s dinner, Mayor Rama and running mate Ramond Alvin Garcia also secured endorsements from Duterte. — JMD (FREEMAN)