WHERE WILL EDU GO? Garcia eyes Rama’s nephew for south district congressional seat

Local

IT LOOKS like Cebu City South District Rep. Edu Rama is a hot commodity for the 2025 election.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia wants South District Congressman Edu Rama to seek reelection in 2025 under his party, Kugi Uswag Sugbo (Kusug), instead of Barug Team Rama, which is led by Edu’s uncle, suspended City Mayor Michael Rama.

Despite their differing political affiliations, Garcia views Edu as a strong contender for Kusug, marking a shift in Cebu City's political landscape ahead of the midterm elections.

"We are seriously considering Edu Rama to run as our Congressman in the South District," Garcia said.

He added that aside from their friendship, he has seen Edu's efforts in helping the city.

Earlier, Garcia had already announced that Kusug will endorse incumbent Rachel "Cutie" del Mar for the north district.

Del Mar and her late father, Congressman Raul del Mar, were prominent members of Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), which is being led by former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

This move comes as suspended Mayor Michael Rama, Edu's uncle, remains allied with Association of Barangay Captains President Franklyn Ong and his BagOng Sugbo Movement, marking a notable realignment in local politics.

As candidates began filing their certificate of candidacy (COC) on Tuesday, October 1, this alliance highlights the evolving political dynamics.

The coalition between Michael Rama’s Partido Barug and Ong’s BagOng Sugbo Movement is poised to be "a formidable force" in the 2025 elections.

Ong is running for the congressional seat in Cebu City's north district, while Acting Vice Mayor Donaldo "Dondon" Hontiveros is vying for the vice mayor position.

During a formal signing ceremony, Michael Rama emphasized their shared vision for Cebu City’s future.

"We are committed to transparency, accountability, and enhancing the livability of our city," Rama said, stressing the importance of working together in their campaign.

Ong, who was also previously associated with BOPK, explained his decision to leave the party, saying he felt disconnected after the last elections.

"We were led to believe that the party no longer existed, and we were left to act independently," Ong said.

In response, former mayor Tomas Osmeña challenged Ong to run against him, maintaining that BOPK remains active and intact.

The coalition aims to transform Cebu City into a "Singapore-like with Melbourne features" urban model, reflecting their ambitious development plans.

Rama’s use of this tagline during his time as mayor drew criticism, with some officials accusing him of making the city seem like a "copycat" of other countries.

Meanwhile, Acting Mayor Garcia is preparing to formally announce his political tandem with former Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) board chairman Jose Daluz III.

They are expected to hold a press conference this week to unveil their candidates and confirm the Kusug and Partido Panaghiusa alliance.(MyTVCebu)