‘I am not for his ouster’

Mayor Rama sees leadership crisis, but points out that PNoy’s resignation is not the solution

FOR Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, the call for President Benigno Aquino III to resign following the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident will not solve a perceived leadership crisis in the country.

“We are part of those who elected him, and I used to be with the Liberal (Party). I was the one who convinced my predecessor to go for the President and now, I’m going to be the one to say, ‘You step down?’” Rama told reporters, adding that he should be consistent with his decisions.

Rama said if there is a need to change the leadership in the country, it should be the President who should take the initiative.

Rama explained that an unscheduled change in presidency should only be done when some circumstances happen like the death of a current president or if he becomes incapacitated. “I am not for his ouster,” said Rama. Rama said that he has been monitoring the Senate committee hearing on the operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where 44 troopers of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police died in a clash with the separatist groups. Two of the 44 SAF troopers, namely, PO2 Windel Candano and PO1 Romeo Cempron, were from Cebu. At least 18 rebels also died.

Rama had visited the loved ones of the two SAF members to extend his sympathies.

Rama also tasked Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who chairs the Police Coordinating Advisory Council, to recommend the giving of P50,000 financial assistance to the family of P02 Candano, whose father is from Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.