Duterte congratulates Rama

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama, the lone mayor from Cebu who showed up at the prayer rally for the country’s transparency, accountability, and unity last Sunday at the South Road Properties, got a boost for his re-election bid after former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte praised him for running the city well.

The former president was talking about his thoughts about the People’s Initiative and the Marcos camp’s alleged move for Charter Change when he suddenly talked about Mayor Rama.

“Other issues? Mora’g wa naman…Gwapo man ‘ning inyong siyudad nagpabilin...sa panahon ni Mayor Rama,” he said.

He then looked around for Rama saying: “Abi nakog gibiyaan nako nimo.”

Duterte went on to say that Cebu City is beautiful, just like Davao City.

“Gwapo pareha sad sa amoa sa Davao…limpyo…way wrong parking, bisan asa, di man g’yud ko musugot...bisan karong di nako presidente, tawgon nakong pulis,” Duterte said, as he reminded people to practice discipline.

“Disiplinahon ninyo ang inyong kaugalingon pud…sunda ang balaod!” Duterte said.

Prior to former president’s speech, his youngest son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte also said he is always at home whenever he comes to Cebu.

“At home kayo ko diri sa Cebu,” Mayor Duterte said.

Mayor Duterte also thanked Rama for supporting the prayer rally and for sending a strong message that Cebu City is not for sale. The younger Duterte also agreed on some points raised by Rama in his speech to pray for unity.

Duterte also invited Rama to send a contingent to the Kadawayan Festival in August after Rama invited the former along with his brother Davao City Congressman Paulo Duterte to join the Sinulog 2025.

“Kay giimbitar man kong Mayor Rama, sa sunod namong Kadayawan Festival, pwede pud ba nga magpadala pud mog contingent nga Sugbuanon didto pud sa amo. Para magkita-kita ta…suroy pud mo ngadto,” Mayor Duterte said. (CEBU NEWS)