Rama and allies support Binay, gear up for 2016
Alvin Garcia to run for north district congressional seat
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and his allies yesterday announced their support for Vice President Jejomar Binay in the 2016 presidential race.
In a news conference at City Hall, Rama also announced his camp’s initial lineup for the local election and a new team name.
Rama will seek reelection with Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.
Cebu City Councilor Gerry Carillo will run for the city’s south congressional district seat while former mayor Alvin Garcia will run for the city’s north district seat.
Rama has been appointed regional coordinator of the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), Binay’s party.
The May 22 appointment letter by lawyer J.V Bautista, UNA secretary general, said his role was to organize the party’s regional chapter and headquarters in Central Visayas.
Rama’s fondness for acronyms showed again in his announcement of a new name for Team Rama.
Their group will now be called Partido Panaghiusa sa Panerbisyo, Tungod sa Gugma—Team Rama, United Nationalist Alliance (PPP, TSG-TR–UNA).
“Kasi kami po hindi magpapahuli. Always po kaming una. Sige pa, wala nay undangay. Deretso na, padung na (Because we don’t get left behind. We’re always ahead. Press on without letup.
Straight ahead, onward),” Rama told reporters.
Former congressman Antonio Cuenco was introduced as chairman emeritus of the group and spokesman.
Joey Daluz is the campaign manager and Edu Rama is in charge of political affairs.
Rama’s lineup in the city council still includes Mary Ann delos Santos despite their previous disagreements over the Cebu City Medical Center project, where she was eased out as committee head.
“She was never released by the team and she will always be part of us. We have also talked several times and apologies have been made,” Rama said.
The other council aspirants are James Cuenco, Hanz Abella, Dave Tumulak, and Renato Osmeña for the south district.
Delos Santos, Noel Wenceslao and Jerry Guardo will run in the north district.
Many wanted to join the group, said Rama, adding that he chose his allies based on surveys and an assessment of their capabilities.
A complete list will be announced before the filing of candidacies in October.
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