Rama says nothing can stop his bid

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CEBU CITY — Despite facing his second dismissal from government service, former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama remains resolute in his bid for the city's top post.

Rama declared that "only death" could stop him from reclaiming the position.

During his local party Partido Barug's event in Barangay San Nicolas Proper, he told his supporters that nothing would deter him from his goal.

He said that only death could halt his mayoral ambitions.

Rama's statement came as he faced mounting legal challenges, including a recent dismissal order from the Ombudsman dated Jan. 3, 2025.

The ruling found him guilty of grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service due to the alleged irregular awarding of garbage collection contracts.

Alongside him, five former members of the Cebu City Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) were also dismissed, including Leizl Calamba, Lyndon Basan, Conrado Ordesta III, Janeses Ponce and Dominic Diño.

The complaint, filed in August 2023, accused the city of awarding contracts worth over P44 million to Jomara Konstruckt Corp., ACM Hauling Services, and ARN Central Waste Management without the necessary public bidding, violating Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

Despite the ruling, Rama continued to assert that his dedication to public service was not motivated by personal gain.

He highlighted his long history of serving the city, saying that he began his service in 1992 and had never used his position for personal profit, adding that he had never involved himself in business deals during his tenure.

Further complicating his legal battles, Rama and seven other city officials were placed under preventive suspension in May 2024 over the alleged non-payment of salaries to several City Hall employees.

Additionally, in a separate ruling in September 2024, Rama was found guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct, which led to his dismissal, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and a permanent disqualification from holding public office.

Amid these controversies, Rama's focus remains unwavering.

He also addressed the recent arrest of his political mentor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, in The Hague, Netherlands, expressing feelings of isolation in their continued fight.

Rama remarked that he felt alone in carrying on their cause, questioning who would step up if not him, and wondering when the movement would continue if not now.

Rama's comments highlighted his belief that he is the last standing figure to defend their political ideals.

"I am the only one left. It used to be the two of us, but now it's just me. If I don't stand up, if we don't stand up, who will? If not now, when?" he said.