Rama’s accuser defends Garcia’s assumption as mayor

Local

THE complainant in the nepotism case that led to the dismissal of former Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama debunked claims that the removal of the former chief executive from office was invalid because they did not receive a copy of the order.

Jonel Saceda, known as Inday Josa Osmeña on Facebook, said it was impossible that Rama did not receive the copy of the dismissal order, a claim that was used by the former mayor’s camp to insist that Raymond Garcia’s succession to the mayoral office is invalid.

Saceda filed a nepotism case against Rama in January 2023 after the former mayor hired his wife’s two brothers as casual employees at Cebu City Hall.

The Office of the Ombudsman later found probable cause to charge Rama with three counts of nepotism in violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, ultimately leading to his dismissal and a permanent ban from public office.

In a Facebook post on Friday, November 8, Saceda challenged Rama’s assertion, highlighting that he and his legal team had already filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which indicated they were fully aware of the Ombudsman’s ruling.

Rama’s team on several occasions questioned the induction of Raymond as full-fledged mayor, saying they have not yet received a copy of Rama’s dismissal order by the Ombudsman.

“If Mike Rama and his team truly did not receive the Ombudsman’s decision, then how did his lawyers manage to file a Motion for Reconsideration on this case?”

Saceda said, stressing that such a filing requires prior receipt of the decision.

Saceda added that Rama’s legal team, Rama & Baena Law Office, had even provided her with a copy of the motion, casting further doubt on his claim of ignorance regarding the Ombudsman’s decision.

“This suggests they were fully aware of the decision and its contents,” she said, accusing Rama of misleading the public by implying that he and his team were unaware of the verdict.

According to the Ombudsman’s findings, the nepotism charges against Rama stemmed from the appointment of Elmer and Gomer Mandanat, the younger brothers of his wife, Marilou, as casual employees.

The anti-graft body, in a 15-page resolution, deemed Rama’s actions as nepotistic, rejecting his defense that he was “surreptitiously made to sign the plantilla of casual appointments for Elmer and Gomer” as “unsubstantiated.”

Rama’s supporters on Friday protested outside the City Hall on Friday and called for his reinstatement.

Saceda had something to say to Rama’s supporters.

“Panguli namo kay kamo ray gi buang ni Mike [Go home because you are only being deceived by Mike],” Saceda said.(MyTVCebu)