All winning bets invited to oath taking – Rama

CEBU, Philippines - There will be no political color in Friday’s oath taking, this according to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who said all winners of the October 28 Barangay Polls are welcome to take their oath at the Plaza Sugbo in front of the Cebu City Hall.

Rama will be the one to officiate the said ceremony.

“It’s open for all, but it’s up for them kun mangadto sila o dili. But I want to see all the 80 barangay chiefs including the councilors. Whoever would wish to have their time to be officiated by me,” Rama told reporters.

He also said he will not take it against barangay chiefs and councilmen if they will wear their campaign shirts.

Team Rama is associated with the colors yellow and green, while the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan sports the colors yellow and blue.

“It does not have to be taken against them, I don’t really mind. What is important, the mayor is offering them the office of  the city government which is the City Hall as a venue for their oath ceremony,” Rama said, adding that they will check who are attending.

According to Rama the South District winners will take oath in the morning while those from the North district will be in the afternoon, or vice-versa.

Also, Rama said taking into consideration the changes in weather patterns, the social hall or lobby may be utilized.

Meanwhile, Rama said he and the core group of  Team Rama now have three barangay captains to choose from who will run for president of the Association of Barangay Councils in December.

Rama has yet to disclose the names of the said barangay chiefs.

Basak-San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama, who is a cousin of  the city ma-yor, earlier recommended five barangay captains for ABC president. They are Felicisimo Rupinta of  Ermita, Phillip Zafra of  Tisa, Althea Lim of barangay Poblacion Pardo, Joel Sable of  Suba and Joel Garganera of Tinago.

This was after he declined to run for ABC president despite the mayor’s support because he believes that someone who is better deserves the position.

The Team Rama core group is composed of  the mayor, former city councilors Joey Daluz III and Eduardo Rama Jr., Jocelyn Pesquera, Rene Mercado and Eugene Elizalde.

Rama explained that they chose these barangay captains because Team Rama believes in their capabilities and passion to serve the 80 barangays in Cebu City.

“Experience counts a lot because being an ABC naa kay stand like you will be able to defend, carry with you the experience and good track record. Dili automatic nga nakadaug ka puwede na ka molansar dayon,” Rama said.

Team Rama has 41 barangays chiefs who won the Barangay polls last Monday over BOPK’s 26. The mayor considers the other 13 other barangay captains as “harmless” or those who are allied with BOPK but are not critical of his administration. (FREEMAN)