Led By SK Federation President: Youth leaders back Rama

CEBU, Philippines — Led by Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President Rhea Mae Jakosalem, Cebu City youth leaders have likewise expressed support for suspended Mayor Mike Rama, as they vowed to continue doing their best for the fulfillment of what they said as the mayor’s dream for the youth.

Jakosalem, a City Council ex-officio member by virtue of her position, and several other SK chairpersons produced videos as a manifestation of support for the mayor, who is currently serving a six-month preventive suspension along with seven others.

The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the suspension following the complaints filed by four Cebu City Hall regular employees who were denied their salaries and wages for 10 months.

“I’m doing this video to show my support and manifestation…sa atong Amahan sa Syudad sa Sugbo,” Jakosalem said.

This came just a day after barangay captains broke their silence the other day and likewise declared their support for the mayor by individually signing a uniform prepared statement.

Jakosalem said Mayor Rama is like a father who stood up for the city and the youth.

“Amahan nga mobarug para sa Sugbo, way lain, Mayor Michael Lopez Rama. Always remember Mayor that I am one of the many people who stand with you,” she said.

“Whatever your decision is, naa ra mi permanente sa imong likod,  andam mosuporta nimo and kami ang mupadayon sa imong vision diri para sa atong kabatan-onan,” she added.

“Padayunon nato kon unsay nasugdan ni Mayor Rama!” said Pahina-San Nicolas SK chairman Kurth Adam Daan.

Basak San Nicolas Jessie Apiag, on the other hand, said they support Mayor Rama “for his dedication, love for the City and youth.”

“Padayon ta Mayor Mike Rama!” he said.

The sentiment was shared by Kalunasan’s Freshshianne Iway, Bacayan’s Aira Shayne Codeniera, Sambag II’s Rosyll Roncal, San Nicolas Proper’s Renella Jade Toring, and Busay’s Justine Campo.

Meanwhile, more mayors from other parts of the country have also sent statements of support for Mayor Rama.

The included Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon, the treasurer of the League of Cities of the Philippines, who said Mayor Rama “has shown dedication to the welfare of his fellow Cebuanos, making this as a hallmark of approach to public service.”

“As a person of integrity, uprightness and excellence, he has inspired others and his colleagues in the League of Cities (of the Philippines) through his actions and his genuine concern for the public good,” he said.

Just like the other LCP members, Biazon also hoped for justice to prevail and that the rule of law would be observed, while likewise imploring for the Filipinos not to base their opinions on the perceptions of others.

“It is our fervent hope that he will be accorded an impartial, just, and fair trial,” he said.

Maasin City Mayor Nacional Mercado, on the other hand, said Rama is “a person of integrity and character who served his constituents with exemplary leadership and dedication”.

The Freeman also got copies of the statements of support for Rama made by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte; Mayor Baby Arni Alvarez of Muñoz City; Carmen Geraldine Rosal of Legazpi City; Jerry Trenas of Iloilo City; and Luis Ferrer IV of General Trias City. (CEBU NEWS)