The highly unfair marginalization of Michael Rama

Let me make it clear, 'ab initio', that I like and respect both Mayor Edgar Labella and Vice Mayor Michael Rama. I believe both of them are still my friends, although after they won, their phones have both become very busy and my text messages all remain unanswered.

I lamented their marginalization during the previous administration. They are both very good for Cebu and the government. But today, it seems the Labella group is marginalizing Rama. And this is apparently being done intentionally, willfully, and with pre-meditation. They were united before and during the elections. Rama helped Labella so much that Labella won overwhelmingly in Rama's bailiwick. But in Mabolo, Labella won by more than a thousand votes, Rama only with a measly 100 majority. Today, my perception is that Labella’s cordon has been unfairly marginalizing Rama. Labella, being a very good man, should stop this. Mark my words, this kind of betrayal will end up very badly for both of them. They will be both losers in the end. And the happiest guy will be Tomas and Mike Dino. The worst part is if Malacañan withdraws support from them to support Tom's vengeance come next polls. Nothing is impossible in Philippine politics.

Had Rama ran for mayor last elections in a three-cornered fight, it would have been a walk in the park for Tomas, or a toss-up between him and Rama. Labella’s camp owes a lot to Rama for his tremendous sacrifice in sliding down, but such a magnanimous gesture will not go unrewarded in the next polls. Now that Labella is in power, he has apparently allowed Malacañan to dictate decisions on appointments and allocation of power and funds. There was reportedly a big contributor to whom Labella allegedly promised the sports commission. However, the power behind him appointed someone else instead. The contributor got the consolation prize as assistant head. Do you think such a decision will endear Labella to the people?

Rama made all friendly gestures to make their tandem hold. He offered his office to Labella, and held his own functions in the corridors. The Labella team should have taken it as a very amicable act. But what have they done? Everything to insult Mike. They organized this Sinulog Governing Board, overriding, duplicating, and insulting the Sinulog Foundation Inc. headed by Mike. If Labella respects Rama, the two should have discussed it beforehand. But these were done behind Rama’s back. The board met and Rama wasn’t even invited. Rama, being the incurable romantic, offered to come so that they could synchronize, but was told his presence wasn’t expected. That to me, is not only a virtual cutting off of diplomatic relations, it is a declaration of war.

That is why all the friends of Rama, all those who pity him, all those who believe in him, will gather today during his birthday to show their moral support, and manifest their anger and outrage against the marginalization of a great man. Even Dr. Boy Labella, the mayor's brother, will attend the gathering for Rama. Doctor Boy worked very hard for his brother during the campaign. But it seems he is unhappy too. I will write about his story one of these days. I have always believed in Rama. He can be a national figure in the future. He has the competence, passion, and bearing. If the Labella group persists on driving him away, he has a lot to go upward. And he has so many friends to help him soar.

I don’t like the marginalization of Vice Governor Junjun Davide either. But that was expected from the very start, as there is no love lost between him and Governor Gwen. But the betrayal of Rama is akin to Brutus' stabbing Julius Caesar in the back. And so, it is more painful, agonizing, and insidious. I could be wrong. But there are thousands of us who believe so. Including those very close to Labella. He should pray and reflect, and keep away from the cordon sanitaire. Rama is a very easy man to befriend, but he can be a very difficult enemy.