Rama gets support from Quezon City mayor

CEBU, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is the first local chief executive in the country to come forward to express support for suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

Belmonte, who is also Rama’s executive vice president in the League of Cities of the Philippines, wrote the suspended mayor a letter on May 14, 2024 to express her support in the challenges he currently face.

“We write to express our support to Mayor Michael L. Rama in the challenges he face,” read part of Belmonte’s letter.

“We know Mayor Rama to be a person of integrity and character, who serves his constituents with exemplary leadership and dedication,” it added.

According to Belmonte, accusations do not define a person's life, especially that of Mayor Rama, who has spent his in public service.

She also appealed to everyone not to judge Rama without considering his character and contributions.

“We respectfully urge everyone to consider Mayor Rama's character and contributions before forming any judgments...In these difficult times, it is our duty to support each other and the rule of law. We firmly believe that justice will prevail,” Belmonte’s letter concluded.

Belmonte’s letter of support is made extra special for Rama amid the deafening silence of his political allies. So far, none of Rama’s known political allies, even partymates, have come forward to public express their support for the suspended mayor.

The Office of the Ombudsman placed Rama and seven other city officials under six months preventive suspension on complaints of “oppression” filed by four regular city hall employees who were not paid of their salaries for 10 months. – /FPL (FREEMAN)