Rama denies playing politics with Labella

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday denied “playing politics,” saying he was instead promoting the interests of Cebuanos during this pandemic when he said Mayor Edgardo Labella knew what to do if he could not manage the City Hall affairs.

“That posted message (on Labella’s Facebook page), I took personal offense. Wa man ko mamolitika, Mayor,” said Rama.

In fact, the vice mayor said that even Councilor Alvin Dizon had suggested that Rama be named as COVID-19 czar in the city. Rama said he declined this knowing that it is the function of the executive department.

Rama stressed that he is not after the mayor’s position.

“Let this be clear, I do not want to take the job of the mayor nor usurp what belongs to Mayor Labella. That is not my cup of tea. But I am overly concerned of all the Cebuanos with the state we are now all in,” said Rama in a statement read by one of his staff.

Rama reiterated that his only concern is how to stem the city’s spike in COVID-19 cases.

“It is sad that we reached this point. We are on a serious trouble. We in the City Council will continue to help and do our part as legislators and (give) our hearts and mind in solving this problem related to the pandemic,” said Rama.

Rama said that while they want to act as one, they also need an active leader to lead the way.

“It has become more (evident) that we as a team get our acts together, but the city needs an active leader to steer us (through) the bigger challenges up ahead. We need a visible active leader, up front in steering our city in this crisis,” added Rama.

While Rama said he acknowledges the city’s efforts as enumerated by Labella in his post earlier, the former said there are new issues to be tackled.

With this, Rama said it is important for Labella to disclose this state of health to the public since he has been working at home following the strict advice of his doctors after an ear infection.

“Mahinungdanon nga mosulti lang si Mayor Labella sa iyang tinood nga kahimtang nga may labot sa iyang kahimsog para dili ta maglibog,” said Rama.

Labella, in his post, told Rama to set aside politics saying he has been productive more than ever even  while working from home.

Rama said he has been trying to contact Labella several times lately but to no avail. — JMD (FREEMAN)