Rama’s son nominated to become a member of Cebu City Council

Local

THE Cebu City Council has nominated Atty. Mikel Francisco Rama, son of dismissed mayor Michael Rama, to fill the seat vacated by Donaldo Hontiveros, who is now the city’s vice mayor.

Councilor Philip Zafra made the nomination during the regular session on Wednesday, October 23, following Hontiveros’ official assumption as vice mayor.

In his privilege speech, Zafra highlighted Mikel’s qualifications, emphasizing his legal background and experience in public service.

“Mikel is a lawyer with a deep understanding of the law and has been tutored by his father, who served Cebu City for over three decades. He witnessed the challenges and triumphs of leadership and governance from an early age,” Zafra said.

The council seat became vacant after Hontiveros took his oath as vice mayor on October 11.

Hontiveros assumed the post after Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia took over as the city’s full-fledged mayor on October 9, following the dismissal of Michael Rama.

The Ombudsman, in a decision dated September 9, 2024, dismissed Rama from office due to nepotism and grave misconduct, specifically for appointing two of his wife’s brothers as casual employees at City Hall.

Zafra explained that the vacancy left by Hontiveros must be filled through a presidential appointment, as required by law when the outgoing official was an independent candidate.

Citing Supreme Court jurisprudence (G.R. 116763), Zafra stated that the City Council’s recommendation now awaits approval from the Office of the President.

The Cebu City Council unanimously approved the nomination, and copies of the resolution have been sent to the Office of the President, the Executive Secretary, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for consideration.

Mikel, who filed his Certificate of Candidacy in October , is running for South District councilor in the 2025 elections under the Partido BARUG Team Rama and BagOng Sugbo coalition, with his father as the standard bearer.

Once appointed, Mikel will join his father’s allies in the council, including Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros and Councilors Jocelyn Pesquera, Noel Wenceslao, Francisco Esparis, and Franklyn Ong.(MyTVCebu)