Rama asks allies to continue fight

CEBU, Philippines - After bowing down as chief executive in the past six years, former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama requested the 12 members of Team Rama in the City Council to "fight" for all projects that he has started and fight for good projects that would be rejected by the administration.

Rama, in his speech, told his allies that he will be around if they need him in decision-making. The City Council is now being dominated by his political allies whom he said have the "dignity, integrity, character, and honor" to serve the city.

 "As I've said, we have won. Kun napildi pa ta, nganong naa man mo? Always remember Edgar (Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella), the whole is greater than the sum of its part. Dili lang mo maglalis. Magsabot lang mo. Kun naa moy problema, naa si Alvin (Garcia) ug naa ko," Rama said.

Rama said he is willing to meet and discuss with the members of the City Council, saying that Team Rama-dominated legislative body cannot be "stopped and destroyed" by their opponents because they are "one party."

Rama also expressed his gratitude to all the people who have supported his candidacy.

"I will take this opportunity, to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. We did not lose. We won and we were victors of this election," Rama said.

The Team Rama councilors took their oath yesterday before Adlaon Barangay Captain Nieves Narra at the Rama compound in Barangay Basak San Nicolas.

Those who took their oaths yesterday were Labella, re-elected Councilors David Tumulak, James Anthony Cuenco, and Nendell Hanz Abella, newly-elected City Councilors Jose Daluz III, Eduardo Rama, Jocelyn Pesquera, Raymond Garcia, Jerry Guardo, Pastor Alcover, and Joel Garganera.

Association of Barangay Councils President Phillip Zafra is the 12th member of the City Council under Team Rama. Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan has only six members in the City Council.

Rama said his allies will not be scared to run the city under the new administration.

"Of course, what we believe are good projects, continue it. What we believe are good projects and they are against it, fight for it. Kaming mga civilian, mangadto mi sa City Hall. Yes. Mao mana ilang gipangita ni adto," he said.

Labella said he will heed the call of Rama to continue his advocacy of good governance.

"We have to heed the call of mayor to continue his advocacy of good governance. His projects which have been implemented. We will continue implementing these projects. For one reason or another, we will fight for it. These projects are meant for the constituency of the city," Labella said.

Labella said the party has already agreed of the chairmanship of the various committees. However, he did not disclose it yet, saying it will be revealed during the inaugural session on July 5.

He said he asked all members of Team Rama and BOPK councilors to meet today to discuss the office and seat assignments at the Session Hall.  (FREEMAN)