Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said there was no turning back for Councilor Mary Ann Delos Santos, who defected to the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagon.
“That will put closure now to the confusion whether she’s still a member of Team Rama,” he said.
Asked if her exit was a big loss, the mayor told reporters, “I don’t have to look at it in that manner. We exist not because of one person. We exist because we want to serve the people.”
Rama said his group has alternatives for the north district slot.
“I respect her decision,” said Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, “although it was not surprising because for the past weeks, her body language showed that she’s more inclined to support the measures (of BO-PK). That is the mechanics of politics. Karon kauban, igka ugma, kaatbang. Dili kontra (Today you’re together, tomorrow, you’re on opposite camps). I wish her luck,” Labella said.
Former councilor and Team Rama campaign manager Jose Daluz III also said Team Rama would have to strengthen its following in Lahug, where De los Santos was barangay captain for 19 straight years.
“Good luck to her. That’s politics. While politics in the city is getting exciting, we will not lose track on our focus to deliver the services, programs and projects to the people who matter most,” he said.