Anti-Rama streamers are hung in Capitol Site where houses were demolished. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
Yellow streamers that declare support for the suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael L. Rama have gone up in barangay Capitol Site, allegedly on orders of barangay captain Manuel Guanzon.
“Gisugo ra man ko ni Kap nga ibutang. Nisuporta ra pod mi ana, (I was ordered by Kap to put it up. We also support that),” said Lito Pasilan, who admitted hanging the streamers.
Guanzon was not in the barangay hall yesterday since it was a Sunday. Calls to his phone were not answered.
One streamer reads “We Support Rama’s Suspension.” Another reads “Thank You Mr. President. Thoughtless Demolition Deserves Suspension.”
Pasilan said his house was among those demolished on Ma. Cristina St. in barangay Capitol Site last May. No relocation area has been provided, he said.
“Giguba man among balay. Nagpayag-payag na lang mi. Sa 27 ka balay, unom ray gihatagan og relocation (Our house was demolished. We’re now living in a makeshift hut. Only 6 houses were given a relocation site out of the 27 houses that were demolished),” he said.
Residents in the area said the streamers were hung Saturday evening.
Rama, when asked to comment, was not surprised. He said he saw this coming.
“Put up by the captain? We just have to remember. In other words, forgiving is there but remembering should be eternal. I always forgive them. I can also see tomorrow. I can even see that it is up and coming,” he said.
“Whatever is tomorrow, prepare for it today. That is why I have said all the time that I am light, so light on the political personalities who might be involved on what had happened and wounded and hurt (me), particularly the president, but of course, it (pain) will diminish,” he added
Rama said he will let acting mayor Edgardo Labella deal with the issue.
But he said any tarpaulin put up without a permit anywhere in Cebu City would be taken down.
“It was just timely that the acting mayor has been very clear that no exemption, which is really a good move. And I salute the acting mayor for being bold, and being fair to all,” Rama said.
“So, any illegal tarpaulin without any permission from the city government has no place to be seen and being viewed,” he added.