Mikel plays coy on father Mike's 'Singapore-like' vision

Local

CEBU City Councilor-elect Mikel Rama did not provide a clear answer when asked whether he would continue the “Singapore-like” vision pursued by his father, former mayor Michael Rama, during his term as the city’s chief executive.

Rama was asked the question during the oath-taking ceremony of Partido Barug–Team Rama officials on Friday, May 30.

In response, he emphasized his father’s values and the collective commitment of their party members but did not categorically state whether the vision would be pursued under his term as councilor.

“From all the values he instilled upon me and all who followed him, I always say—even during the campaign—that I’m not the only son of my father. All who believed in his leadership are his children,” Mikel said in Cebuano.

“We stood for clean governance and sincere public service. That’s what people can expect from us,” he added.

When asked again for clarification, Rama responded: “Next time.”

The “Singapore-like” vision was a central theme of the former mayor’s administration, aiming to transform Cebu City into a modern, efficient, and livable urban center modeled after Singapore.

The younger Rama, who ran under Partido Barug, has yet to confirm whether the initiative will be among his legislative priorities.

The 2025 midterm elections resulted in significant changes in Cebu City’s political landscape.

Partido Barug, which previously held the majority in the 16th Sangguniang Panlungsod, no longer controls the majority in the incoming 17th City Council.

Based on the official Certificate of Canvass from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as of May 13, several council seats were secured by candidates from Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) and Kugi, Uswag Sugbo (Kusug), shifting the balance of power in the city council.

Despite the change in party dynamics, Partido Barug councilors-elect said they are committed to collaboration with the new majority.

“As long as we are true to the tenets and principles of the party and [our positions are] congruent to the benefit of Cebu City, we will be supporting,” Mikel Rama said.

Councilor Philip Zafra stated: “The public can expect an impartial and fair council. Whatever programs the mayor or other councilors propose, we will look at them objectively. What’s important is what benefits the City of Cebu.”

Councilor Francis Esparis also expressed support for measures that are deemed beneficial to constituents.

“If there are measures that are beneficial to the people, we will support them,” he said.

Councilor Harry Erran Abella added that party lines should no longer be a factor once elected.

“Once we are in the council, we no longer look at parties. We will work for the interest of our city,” he said.

The officials-elect of Partido Barug–Team Rama, led by the former mayor took their oath of office on Friday.

Among those who took their oath were Cebu City councilors-elect Mikel Rama, Harry Erran Abella, Francis Esparis, and Philip Zafra, as well as reelected Cebu City South District Representative Eduardo Rama.

The ceremony was administered by Basak San Nicolas Barangay Captain Norman Navarro, Tagbao Barangay Captain Ana Tabal, Bonbon Barangay Captain Grace Mabano Duragos, and Suba Barangay Captain Emerson Sable.(TGP)