Rama asks Ombud: Resolve donated cars case

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday demanded that the Office of the Ombudsman resolve the case he filed against former mayor Tomas Osmeña over a car donation three years ago.

“When no one would want to file a case because (everyone) seems to be afraid of him, then the mayor took the cudgels. Where is the resolution of my complaint? Ombudsman, where is my resolution? I am really not just requesting. I am now demanding because it’s been too long,” Rama said.

The mayor filed a complaint against Osmeña in 2012 for receiving two Dodge Charger police cars from Bigfoot Entertainment chairman Michael Gleissner for his personal use.

Rama said in his complaint that the act of receiving the cars violated Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees also prohibits public officials from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, “any gift, gratuity and favor” from any person in the course of their official duties.

Bigfoot was among the first locators at the South Road Properties (SRP) during Osmena’s term as mayor in 2007.

Earlier this year, Rama  wrote to  Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales asking for updates on the case after hearing a report that is was resolved in December 2013 but not  released to the public.

A frustrated Rama said the Ombudsman should already resolve the case.

“My predecessor has been filing cases against my treasurer. I only filed one. Where is the resolution and conclusion of the Dodge complaint I made at the Ombudsman?” he said.

Osmeña earlier said he did not accept the vehicles. He explained that the cars were bought by his sister Maria Victoria “Minnie” Osmeña and her son Paulo Osmeña Jacinto.

Related Story: Rama asks Ombud update on Dodge car case against Tomas