RAMA WRITES TO PEOPLE TO ASK FOR MEETING WITH PRESIDENT TO CLEAR NAME

Former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama will doggedly pursue his cause of clearing his name. He has been seeking help from certain contacts who might be able to facilitate a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte. Recently, he had asked for the help of Archbishop Jose Palma. “I wish to have an audience with the President so that I can voice out my concern. I will continue with my efforts because I’m a man who doesn’t know how to give up,” he said. Last March 16, Rama sent a letter to Palma, Department of Interior and Local Government Chief Ismael Sueño, his cousin Annabelle Rama, and Presidential Assistant for Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza.

Former mayor says he is writing, talking to different people so he can have an audience with President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I am not giving up and I will clear my name.”

So said former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama as he continues to seek help from several personalities so he can have a meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte.

This time, he’s also asking for Archbishop Jose Palma’s help.

“I wish to have an audience with the President so that I can voice out my concern. I will continue with my efforts because I’m a man who doesn’t know how to give up,” he said.

Last March 16, the former mayor sent a letter to Palma as well as to Department of Interior and Local Government chief Ismael Sueno, his cousin Annabelle Rama and Presidential Assistant for Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, asking them to help him get an appointment with Duterte.

He decided to write them after his earlier requests sent to other personalities were left unanswered.

Rama said he had sought the help of Secretary Adelino Sitoy, presidential adviser on legislative affairs, to facilitate a meeting with the President during the groundbreaking of the Cebu-Cordova bridge project last March 2.

Since his name was first mentioned by Duterte, he also said he made an effort to talk with the President through Bong Go, the head of the Presidential Management Staff, and Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino. Up to now, his requests have not been granted.

Last month, Duterte once again mentioned the former mayor’s family name in a comment against alleged drug protectors.

In Duterte’s speech aired over PTV News last Feb. 24, Rama’s full name was not mentioned. The President identified Rama as governor of Cebu Province.

Rama, a lawyer, hopes that there will be evidence to support or dispel the accusations thrown against him.

Rama said there is still no complaint filed against him related to the allegation that he protects drug lords. /

There’s no accountability without mandate. There’s no mandate without elections. TOMAS OSMEÑA It is no longer democracy if only very few people get to decide. MICHAEL RAMA