Mayor Rama-Garcia tandem still on for 2025

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia will stick with Mayor Michael Rama, ending weeks of speculation that he and the latter will go separate ways in the next election.

The City’s News and Information team reported that Garcia clarified this to the barangay captains and other representatives who attended the orientation-seminar for “synchronized registration” of the city’s “Socialized Housing Program” last Friday.

The vice mayor accordingly said that the Rama-Garcia tandem stays ahead of the filing of candidacy later this year.

Garcia also stressed that he is happy with the Mayor’s direction especially in his housing program.

“I know I can make a difference in that committee sa housing, ilabi na sa mga constituents nga walay mga panimalay,” said Garcia, who chairs the committee on housing in the City Council.

Meanwhile, Rama, during the City Hall’s Family Day celebration in line with the city’s 87th Charter Day at the South Road Properties yesterday, also confirmed this as he announced that the Rama-Garcia tandem stays.

He said there is no need to change the formula for the 2025 elections, adding that both he and Garcia are still on their first terms and so are Representatives Edu Rama and Cutie del Mar.

“With pride, privilege, and distinction and with no fear of contradiction, still my vice-mayor for 2025, Raymond Garcia!  Kay ang uban, mag una…we are a family of servants, and I guarantee as your leader, I always look back at who has been with us and stood for us…and precisely mao ni ang atong pamilya,” Rama added.

Rama also said he is willing to go down, if needed, just to preserve the unity in their political circle.

“Yes, there were period where there is such an era of uncertainty, but you know pretty well that I can always go down and the record will tell. I would have wanted to run for mayor but for unity as suggested by former Mayor Alvin Garcia, aron dili mabungkag ang among pamilyang pulitikanhon, mao na ang nahitabo, Edgardo Colina Labella, nag mayor, Mike Rama, gusto unta ko mag mayor, ninaog ko. Mao na,” Rama stressed.

The Mayor also expects the rest of the public servants to stay united to keep services alive and make the City’s dream of being a smarter city come true. — (FREEMAN)