Rama declares himself as ‘independent’ mayor

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has declared “independence” with his allegiance now solely belonging to the people he serves, incidentally during a flag burning rites after the City Hall’s flag retreat Friday afternoon.

The mayor was noticeably on a very serious mood from the flag burning down to the singing of the Singapore-like Cebu City jingle. While others danced to the jingle, the mayor who usually even grinds down was just on the side waiting for his time to address the public.

Rama started by emphasizing that he will no longer highlight who are present with all of them including him as he said, “puros ta mamumuo, puros ta nagtrabaho..puros ta gitagaan og kompiyansa sa katawhan sa Syudad sa Sugbo…puros ta giswelduhan sa kawarta gikan sa katawhan.”

The mayor also reminded everyone to keep one’s feet on the ground and not be consumed with power.

“Ang atong tiil dapat pilit sa yuta, dili molupad tungod sa gahum kay ang gahum..power corrupts…absolutely! Naa tay padungan SG-like Cebu City..ang uban mosayaw, ang uban nag yaga-yaga…Iyaha (Mayor Mike Rama) ra na! Akoa ra ba? Wa mo kuyapi?..Akoa ra ba ang pagtul-id sa hiwi?..Akoa ra ba ang pagnindot sa bati? Akoa ra ba ang paglimpyo sa hugaw? Akoa ra ba sa pagpagwapa sa di kaayo gwapa? Akoa ra ba ang paghan-aw sa gubot?” Rama asked.

The mayor stressed that he is aware that there are people and their trolls who are trying to taint his reputation and are trying to destroy him, but said he is unfazed by it.

“Sukad karong adlawa, si Mike Rama, independente na nga Mayor! Unsa may pasabot nako ana? Katawhan na ang akong kuyog…Kung kuyog mo nako..kuyugi ko!...Mokuyog ba mo? Mao ra na akong gihangyo..Dili nako gusto mapakauwawan pa..husto na, dili na!” declared Rama.

The mayor sounded like doing a “loyalty check” as well.

“Mahinungdanon kaayo karong adlawa…Dako kog utang kabubut-on ninyong tanan, dako pud kog kabubut-on aning mga elected..dako…pero, husto na...Kapoy na mag adjust, kapoy na, husto na..Usa ra akong paminawn..ang tingog sa katawhan! Pero kung mokuyog sila nako, nganong dili man?” added Rama.

Rama, however, did not elaborate on his political party and allies, but instead, asked for everyone’s support in the city’s quest to “make better things happen.”

“Karon, timing ning tanan…Gakinahangla kog tabang ninyo…Dili ni nako mahimo nga ako ra…Singapore-like Cebu City..Kitang tanan, pwede ba? Walay politika….Politics should pass, friendship should last family ties, forever,” Rama said.

The burning of flag on Friday was held ahead of the May 28 National Flag Day to commemorate the date the national emblem was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite in 1898.

The Philippine flag itself is not only a symbol of one’s nation and people but also shows one’s freedom and independence.

Flags that are raised should be in perfect condition and intact, a symbol of the country’s unity that is why old flags are burned.

The flag-burning activity was attended by City Hall and barangay officials and employees, as well as the City Council including Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia along with Councilors Donaldo Hontiveros, Francis Esparis, and Pastor “Jun” Alcover. — (FREEMAN)