Mayor Labella promises ‘inclusive’ government, VM Rama returns to city hall

Partido Barug-PDP Laban’s standard bearer, Edgardo Labella, was proclaimed as Mayor-elect by the Cebu City’s  Commission on Elections. | CDND PHOTO / Gerard Vincent Francisco

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor-elect Edgardo Labella promised to have an “inclusive government” that will collaborate with all parties when he begins his term as Mayor of Cebu City on June 30.

Labella, who won by at least 18,000 votes over outgoing mayor, Tomas Osmeña, said he is willing to work with all the elected officials whether they come from his own party, Partido Barug-PDP Laban, or from the opposition party, Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK).

He said a collaborative culture is crucial because majority of the incoming City Council members would be dominated by BO-PK stalwarts, which means that they will be in charge of creating the committees.

“If it is a critical collaboration, it is a very healthy excercise in a democratic society like ours. I hope that we are going to have a fruitful executive and legislative undertaking,” said Labella.

The new mayor said he will be calling a meeting with the elected officials to discuss the executive and legislative agenda within the first few days of his term, which will officially start on June 30.

Labella said he will even seek the help of Osmeña to discuss how to run the city to maximize its resources and investments.

Labella calls this a “consulatory government.”

“We cannot deny that Mayor Osmeña had a big role in the development of the SRP (South Road Properties),” he added.

Labella revealed that some members of the BO-PK already expressed wishes to transfer to Partido Barug-PDP Laban but was not able to because of the lack of time.

But he told them that changing parties is not necessary because he can and will work with anyone who wishes the best for the city.

Labella is grateful that the Cebuanos gave him their faith that he could lead the city into progress.

He also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for his trust and promised the President that he would not disappoint him.

Partido Barug-PDP Laban’s, Michael “Mike” Rama was proclaimed as Vice Mayor-elect by Cebu City’S Commission on Elections. | CDND PHOTO / Gerard Vincent Francisco

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor-elect Michael Rama said his “sufferings” in the 2016 local elections, when he lost the mayoralty to Osmeña, has been vindicated with his party winning the executive seats.

Rama said  the Cebuanos have been waiting for in the past three years: for Partido Barug to return to City Hall.

The incoming vice mayor said there is no pressure in introducing new programs in the city because the city already formed good programs over the years under the leadership of different mayors.

He said they will only enhance these programs to serve more residents.

“We already have a clear framework of government under our political party,” said Rama.

Rama said he does not expect trouble from the majority of the council, which will be composed by the opposing party.

He said that the council will become one through programs such as “Lakbay Aral” where the councilors forge friendship with each other. This friendship will unify the Council despite their different political affiliations.

Rama hopes that members of the City Council will work together for the betterment of the city regardless of personal or political interests.

Rama also promised the Labella that the Council will be supportive of his leadership. / celr