Rama to attend SONA

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is confident that some of the issues he discussed with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. will be included in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

Rama said he will attend PBBM’s first SONA before going back to Cebu City to reassume his duties and responsibilities as chief executive. Rama has been on leave for two weeks now to attend to some important matters in Manila, including his election as president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, and to spent time for his family.

“There will be a lot of pronouncements…Di lang ko mu preempt… major issues of national concern…We will give the President the free hand… but I am excited,” Rama told reporters during a phone interview.

The mayor said he is hoping to get a pass for his wife, Malou, to join him and the other officials of LCP for the SONA at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City.

According to Rama, he is not demanding anything in return from the PBBM for the support in the last elections but he said there were things they have discussed earlier that he hopes will be given priority.

“I don’t want to demand but I’m also talking some concern…but if ma bubuan (funds), I will be thankful,” said Rama.

Meanwhile, Rama said he will allow protest rallies in Cebu City during the SONA on Monday provided that permits are secured.

“Rally, rally, rally… naa may democratic process ana…dili man na nimo ma ignore…but definitely ma involve gyud ng PNP, CITOM, etc…Definitely (they will be allowed), nganong ato man?,” said Rama.

Rama said he is entrusting to acting Mayor Raymond Garcia and acting Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros the decision on the matter and the peace and order in the city while he is still away.

“I will be back after the SONA,” Rama said. — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/FPL