Including opposition members: Mayor Rama names more bets for 2025 possible lineup

CEBU, Philippines — For his 2025 bid, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama revealed more names for a possible lineup. In an interview last Monday, Rama said he is also mulling including some people from the opposition camp in his possible lineup.

For the North District, Rama revealed names such as Sambag I Barangay Captain Aileen Guardo, Dr. Peter Mancao, Ernest Herrera, Maria Pino, and Melvin Legazpi, whom Rama identified to be on the “long list” that will be up for surveys.

However, he specifically stated incumbent councilors Jun Alcover, Noel Wenceslao, Jaypee Labella, and Jerry Guardo as those who are assured for their party.

Aside from them, Rama also mentioned members from the opposing party, Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), namely incumbent councilors Franklyn Ong and Nestor Archival. He also included former Sangguniang Kabataan president Jessica Resch.

For the South District, Rama named incumbent councilors such as Jocelyn Pesquera, Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros, Rey Gealon, Philip Zafra, Jun-jun Osmeña, James Cuenco, and Francis Esparis. This list also includes his son, lawyer Mikel Rama.

“But along the way, wala man g’yud ta kabalo kay filing of (Certificate of Candidacy) October pa gud…We will never know, only God knows, mao na siya, matira ang matibay man ‘ning amoa,” said Rama.

For district representatives, Rama said he may retain Congressman Edu Rama for the south and Congresswoman Cutie del Mar for the north.

Rama also assured that his running mate Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia will remain. — (FREEMAN)