MINI-RALLY. Supporters of suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama gather in front of the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral before the filing of certificates of candidacy of the Barug Team Rama's entire slate. Rama was suspended over complaints of unpaid salaries filed by four city hall employees. (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra)
CEBU CITY – Suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and his entire slate on Thursday filed their certificates of candidacy at the Commission on Elections' Cebu City south district office.
Before submitting his COC seeking a fresh mandate, the suspended mayor and his Barug Team Rama attended Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral and held a mini-rally along Mabini Street in front of the church.
The president of the Association of Barangay Councils, Kasambagan Barangay Captain Franklyn Ong, also filed his COC as Rama’s running mate.
“Join me in the quest to stand for the city. Let’s be together to make things happen,” Rama said in his speech during the mini-rally.
Rama’s nephew, Eduardo Rama Jr., also filed his COC, seeking reelection as Cebu City South Distinct congressman.
Eduardo Jr. has been endorsed by the Kusog Party of acting Mayor Raymond Garcia.
He declined to comment on the matter.
Rama was suspended for six months by the Ombudsman in June this year over complaints of unpaid salaries filed by four Cebu City Hall employees.
On Sept. 25, the anti-graft body also found probable cause to indict the suspended mayor on three counts of violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for nepotism.
Omdbudsman’s ruling questioned
Meanwhile, Rama said that he would press his reelection bid despite Ombudsman’s order dismissing him and perpetually prohibiting him from holding public office amid nepotism charges.
In an order issued on Sept. 9, but only made public on Oct. 3, the Ombudsman resolved that Rama violated the Civil Service rules, particularly in hiring his wife’s two brothers as casual employees at the Cebu City Hall.
According to the decision, Rama’s dismissal from service also carries with it the cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits (except accrued leave credits), and a permanent ban from holding any government position.
Rama said there is no backing off in his bid to regain the mayoral post on the May 12, 2025 midterm polls.
He also clarified that the two brothers of his second wife were already employed at City Hall even before he married her. (PNA)
