Mayor Garcia: ‘Nothing to reconcile’ with Rama

CEBU, Philippines — Following political tensions that flared during the campaign season, outgoing Mayor Raymund Alvin Garcia said there is “nothing to reconcile” between him and former Mayor Michael Rama, stressing he has done nothing wrong against his former ally.

Garcia made the statement during a tele-press conference on Wednesday in response to a question about the possibility of closure or reconciliation between him and Rama.

“If we talk about reconciliation, in what aspect should we reconcile? For me, there is really nothing tingali to reconcile about, kay wala koy sala niya,” Garcia said during the teleconference.

Garcia noted that since becoming acting mayor and later full-fledged mayor following Rama's suspension and dismissal, he has maintained the highest and deepest respect for Rama—even amid public criticism, including being called the “Fake Mayor” by the latter and his supporters on radio, television, and social media.

Despite also of Rama’s criticisms of his decisions and policies, Garcia said he has never spoken ill of him, even to this day.

Garcia added that when he sees and meets Rama, it feels as if nothing happened between them, reiterating that he holds no grudge. “Wala man tay sala,” he said.

He backed this by stating that his actions during his time as acting mayor were in accordance with the Local Government Code and the Constitution.

“Para nako, I just followed my mandate, under the Local Government Code and under the Constitution, to act as acting mayor. That is what I did—I followed my oath,” he said.

Despite Rama’s public declarations, Garcia said he continues to respect him and still considers him a mentor and friend.

“Despite all of that, wala gyud mousab akong pagtan-aw kaniya—I still have my highest respect for him. I still consider him my mentor. I still consider him a friend, at the very least,” he said.

Rama and Garcia ran as a tandem during the 2022 elections, successfully winning the mayor and vice mayor positions, respectively.

Garcia also mentioned that, as the godfather at Rama’s wedding, he has great personal regard for him.

“I don’t know about him, but me, I don’t have any ill feelings towards him,” he added.

Last June 11, Rama visited the mayor’s office along with acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros.

When asked about Rama’s “melancholic” visit, Garcia remarked that it was “good na ni bisita,” saying it showed that Rama remains concerned about the city’s affairs. — Caren Itolle, CNU intern (FREEMAN)