Rama raises anew plan to form 1 mayors’ league

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama has brought up again his plan to form an association for all mayors in the Philippines.

Rama, who is currently national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), said he already got the approval to form a mayor’s association from the rest of their members.

The LCP is made up of chief executives of cities, while mayors of towns are part of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

But Rama said the proposed association would mean uniting all mayors under one group.

“Bringing it to all, this is not for me. This is for all municipal mayors--elected chief executives to really feel that we are all elected chief executives…no distinction,” Rama said in his regular program through the City’s Sugboanon channel yesterday, March 7, 2024.

Rama said he also does not mind as to who will head the said association.

“Kinsay ilang ipa head ana, I don’t mind. I am only initiating so that such an association, atong ipa register sa Securities and Exchange Commission,” Mayor Rama added, while also saying that perhaps in the future, “it will be recognized in an amendment of the local government code, in the same manner like the LCP-No distinctions,” Rama stressed.

More than having no distinction, Rama explained that the purpose of this is to build leaders.

“What is the purpose? You have to build up leaders. Di na mahimo ng just because naa kas munisipyo, naa ka sa island, do not demean, do not defame. In the eyes of God, we are equal…we have the will,” said Mayor Rama.

Rama initially mentioned the plan to have an association for all mayors, regardless if it's for cities or towns, in 2022.

Meanwhile, Mayor Rama said that LMP-Cebu Chapter members have gone too far when they proclaimed support for the call to halt the civil works of the CBRT in front of the Capitol.

“Going to BRT, palihug lang, naay ginganlag ug ‘Where were you when the lights were off? Were where you? Why only now?’ Let’s not be naïve. Otherwise we are fooling ourselves,” said Rama. – ATO  (CEBU NEWS)