VM Rama, Labella still in “good terms”
Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama has assured that he is in good terms with Mayor Edgardo Labella, after rumors had surfaced that their relationship is slowly falling apart.
Rama, who had been the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. chairman for 14 years, has filed his “irrevocable resignation” last October 29 after being reportedly “left out” in the preparations for the Sinulog 2020.
He disclosed he was not invited in the meeting of the newly-formed Cebu City Sinulog Governing Board (CCSGB).
This triggered a lot of comments from netizens, many of whom stated that Rama’s resignation will be the start of conflict between him and the mayor.
“Dili mana mawagtang ang relationship. Ang importante, para nako, naa naman ko sa Sangguniang Panlungsod that would make me focus on the SP – on legislative matter, akong mga programs. Naa man koy plataporma... agenda nako. Support man ko sa agenda sa mayor pero motingog sad ko kung about na sa Sangguniang Panlungsod kay I have a responsibility diha,” said Rama.
“We need to have unity sa legislative ug executive,” he added.
The vice mayor shared that he and Labella talked a few days ago about the matters on Sinulog.
“Kami ni mayor, nagestorya mi a few days, naklaro gyud namo ang iya jud concern kay peace and order, lipay ko ana. Kanang traffic. Kanang mga regulatory, kay mao man gyud na ang gi-envision sa refined governing board. And I wish that we’ll have to be respected. Mao ra gyud na,” he said.
On November 5, Rama had a meeting with the SFI about his resignation and the change of leadership in the foundation.
He said SFI President
Pericles Dakay is the “concurrent chairman” of the foundation.
When asked if the new leadership in SFI can affect the preparations for the Sinulog 2020, Rama chose not to comment further.
“I do not know. I’m not the only one (in SFI). Because, I am not indispensable. But, I will still be the board of trustees,” said Rama.
Rama, however, said that SFI will always have a responsibility when it comes to Sinulog preparations.
“Mao gyud bitaw na akong gisulti pirmi na ang Sinulog Foundation is really the organizer of Sinulog. Dili gyud na mawa,” said Rama.
Meanwhile, CCSGB Executive Director Barney Borja said the change of leadership in SFI will not affect the Sinulog 2020 preparations because they have the full support and coordination of the foundation itself and its executive committee. —