Mike Rama: ‘Only death can stop me’ from seeking mayoral seat

Local

FACING multiple dismissal orders from the Office of the Ombudsman, former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama vowed that "only death" could prevent him from reclaiming the city’s top government post.

Rama made the statement during Partido Barug’s opening salvo in Barangay San Nicolas Proper on Friday, March 28.

“Ampo lang gyud mo kay dili man gyud na sila muundang nga putlon gyud nila akong liog. I guarantee nga kamatayon ra ang makapaundang ni Mike Rama pagka mayor,” he told his supporters.

Rama’s remarks came as he faces legal challenges, including a recent dismissal order from the Ombudsman dated January 3, 2025.

The ruling found him guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service over the alleged irregular awarding of garbage collection contracts.

Alongside Rama, five former members of the Cebu City Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) were also dismissed: Leizl Calamba, Lyndon Basan, Conrado Ordesta III, Janeses Ponce, and Dominic Diño.

The complaint, filed in August 2023, alleged that contracts were awarded to Jomara Konstruckt Corp., ACM Hauling Services, and ARN Central Waste Management without public bidding, violating Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Despite this, Rama maintained that his service to the city was not driven by personal interest.

“1992 pa ko nanerbisyo. Way pwerhisyo, wala apili ug negosyo ang akong puwesto,” he said.

In May 2024, the Ombudsman also placed Rama and seven other city officials under preventive suspension for six months over the alleged non-payment of salaries of several City Hall employees.

In a separate ruling dated September 25, 2024, Rama was found guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct.

The penalty included dismissal from government service, cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits (except accrued leave credits), and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Moreover, Rama, the vice president of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) party, chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte, spoke about Duterte’s recent arrest in The Hague, Netherlands.

He said he feels alone in continuing their fight, wondering who else would step up if not him, and when it would happen if not now.

"Ako na lay nahabilin. Duha mi pirmiro, pero ako na lang usa. Ako na lang usa mobarug kay kun dili ako, kun dili kami, kinsa man? Kun dili karon, kanus-a man?" Rama said.(TGP)