Rama confident he is safe

Despite the deaths of Ronda mayor Mariano Blanco and vice mayor Jonah John Ungab, former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama does not worry for his life.

The three were tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte as narco-politicians.

Rama told The FREEMAN that he is “better than before” and that he is confident he will be spared from the killings after he was able to talk to Duterte earlier this year to clear his name.

“There’s nothing to be worried because I have not done anything wrong. The President has been very much aware that I’m not involved in any situation about illegal substance and he knows the story. It’s all politically motivated,” Rama said.

Since Duterte named them in 2016, it took several attempts before Rama finally spoke with the President in March this year.

“Kanang confidence, it’s very much better than before after ko naka-talk ni President sa Davao. So much relief,” Rama said.

He only has one wish for the President to do – announce publicly that he is not involved in the drug trade.

Meanwhile, following Blanco’s death, several officials in Cebu City expressed mix reactions on the security and safety of the province.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said Cebu is still relatively “safe and peaceful” even with the killings here.

“Cebu is relatively safe for law abiding citizens. Wherever you are in the world, crimes are committed,” he said.

However, granting he is involved in the illegal drug trade, the same does not justify Blanco’s killing.

“Kanang pagpatay is not really reasonable. If we follow the tenets of civilization, killings should not be resorted right away. Dili gyud na makatarunganon that’s why the law enforcement agencies must thoroughly investigate,” Labella said.

Councilors Sisinio Andales and Jerry Guardo, meanwhile, believe that Cebu is no longer safe because of the killings.

“Cebu is no longer safe. Even lawyers, PDEA agents, mayors apil sa patay,” Andales said, adding, that law enforcement agencies should tighten the security of the city and the province.

Guardo, a friend of Blanco, said he could not believe that the latter is involved in the illegal drug trade.

Guardo said that in the five years he has known Blanco, he only knew the mayor as a typical businessman and public official who renders service to his constituents.