EDITORIAL

Almost two months into their new positions, it appeared that a serious crack is now beginning to surface in the relationship between neophyte Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella and Vice Mayor Michael Rama.

The other day, Rama questioned before the media Labella’s executive order establishing the Sinulog Governing Board. The vice mayor, being the Sinulog Foundation Inc. chairman, felt bad that the mayor created the board without his knowledge.

Although he said he does not feel insulted by the mayor’s move, Rama expressed that Labella needs to clarify the board’s functions since it seems all activities of the Sinulog foundation would need to pass through the board.

“Kinahanglan gyud ni-isettle. Ang importante sa pag-settle ani, balik sa nangagi ug padung ta sa ugma. Unsa man gyuy bottomline butangan man og laing layer,” he said. “Kon gusto sila nga sila gyud modala sa Sinulog, we will have to decide it with the board.”

The public understands Rama’s complaint about not being consulted prior to the Sinulog Governing Board’s creation. It seems that for the vice mayor, who was reelected SFI chairman last August 2, he should have been the first to know about the board’s establishment.

But does Labella have the obligation to first inform Rama before signing the executive order? Yes Rama has the experience to run the Sinulog. But does that give him the privilege to demand that everything that revolves around the Sinulog should first go through him being the SFI head?

For Labella, of course no one can dictate him on his executive orders. Creating the board is clearly his prerogative being the local chief executive, especially the fact that the city government is pumping millions into the Sinulog.

Now that the board has been created, Rama has no other option than to align the Sinulog foundation with the new body.  Of course, he can always inquire with Labella about how the board functions around the SFI.

To continue complaining about the board will only create public perception that Rama is politicizing the annual festival.