Hontiveros at the helm as Rama goes on leave 

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros has assumed the position of acting mayor as Mayor Michael Rama is on official leave for a week beginning Thursday.

Rama issued a memorandum designating Hontiveros as acting city mayor last May 24. He will be out of office until June 3.

The Freeman tried to reach Rama to ask him about his leave but to no avail.

The last time Rama was on leave was before the late mayor Edgardo Labella died. Rama had to cut short his vacation due to an unfortunate turn of event.

While Rama assumed as mayor and Hontiveros, who is the number 1 councilor, as vice mayor by rule of succession, the city was hit by supertyphoon Odette and the Omicron-driven surge of COVID-19.

As Cebu City slowly getting back on its feet, a worldwide oil price hike due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has affected its citizens.

Although Rama is out of his office for a week, Hontiveros said the mayor is keeping communication lines open.

Hontiveros has also assured the public that they are on top of everything, especially after some bomb threats rocked the city the other day.

Hontiveros held a meeting with other Cebu City Police officials, together with personnel from the disaster team and other concerned agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.

Hontiveros said some actions have already been taken but noted that it will be the police who will release the official statement regarding the bomb threats.

Hontiveros also agrees with Councilor Philip Zafra, chairman on the Council committee on peace and order, who said that those behind the bomb threats must be put behind bars.

“Kun masakpan gyud nang mga tawhana, atoa gyud na nga ipakiha . Tanang kaso nga puwedeng ipasaka anang mga tawhana , ato gyud ipasaka . Dili basta-basta ang kahasol ang nahatag nila sa mga tawo," said Zafra.

Zafra also reminded everyone to report to the proper authorities right away should they receive messages regarding bomb threats.

Hontiveros said spreading such information may cause panic.

“We want to assure the public that we are on top of it,” said the acting. — LPM (FREEMAN)