Mike rallies supporters, finds suspension order ‘appalling’

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Vice Mayor Edgar Labella share a moment during their candle lighting activity in front of the Cebu City hall to protest the six-month suspension meted against them and 12 city councilors by Malacañang. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

“Amazing, appalling and condemnable.”

These were the words Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama used to describe the recent suspension order against him, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 12 city councilors over the P20,000 calamity aid case in 2013.

In a press conference at his residence in Rama Compound in Barangay Basak San Nicolas yesterday,

Rama remained firm that he has not received an official copy of the suspension order coming from the Office of the President.

Rama lamented how surprised he was that a copy of the suspension order was obtained by Cebu Daily News first before he did. He called it “amazing,” as due process dictated that he should have gotten the copy first.

He also could not hide his frustration that he was now being picked on for the second time, despite other officials like Cebu City South District Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa not having his dismissal order implemented by concerned agencies.

“There are many still. The only difference I have is I am UNA (United Nationalist Alliance), and they are Liberal (Party). They have their own rule, and that is the Aquino rule. And the Mar (Roxas) rule,” he said.

The mayor’s son, Mikel, who also handled Rama’s 60-day preventive suspension case on the Labangon center island project last year, explained their legal take on the issue.

Mikel said that under Section 2, Rule 10 of Administrative Order 23, which governs the investigation of the Office of the President, any decision suspending an elective official could only become final and executory after the lapse of 30 days, unless a motion for reconsideration could be filed.

This means that if ever the mayor will receive his copy of the order today, he will have until May 11 to file a motion for reconsideration.

Until then, he said, the idea of a suspension against the mayor and the other city officials was still “premature.”

Also, Malacañang would still need to get an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) before it could implement the order, considering that there is already an election ban on suspensions.

A source however told CDN that Rama has been alerted that the Comelec en banc was scheduled to already rule on the application for exemption by tomorrow, Tuesday.

The news of the suspension also prompted several barangay captains allied with Rama to raise concern over the matter who, led by Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Philip Zafra, organized Holy Mass for “enlightenment” held at 6 p.m. yesterday at the City Hall grounds.

“Kita ra ang mo hukom karong Mayo 9 (Let us deliver a judgment on May 9). We really called for this Mass for discernment, enlightenment, sobriety, solidarity and compassion for our city and her people,” Zafra said onstage after the Mass.

Rama”s allies came to the Mass mostly wearing white shirts or a combination of yellow and green, the Team Rama’s campaign colors.

Rama, in his speech, said he did not expect that a suspension order against him was still coming and lamented that a newspaper, the social media got the news first before he did.

“Wala nako damha nga maabot pa. Maypa ang newspaper, maypa ang social media, maypa ang social baba. Ang hingtungdan, wala gyud kakupot sa dokumento,” said Rama in a speech delivered after the Mass.

His supporters also lighted candles and sang “As we hold on together” with Rama and the barangay captains onstage as a “silent protest” to the suspension.

Labella said he is surprised with the “timing and unusual speed” of the order.

“If that pushes through, there can’t be a quorum anymore. If there’s no quorum, there would be no session. It’s a basic requirement,” he said.

Labella said he also doesn’t exactly know how the suspended councilors can be replaced considering they were elected. He said he sees a “crisis situation” if the order would be implemented.

He said he just hoped the Comelec would not succumb to “political pressure.”

Sought for comment, Councilor Margot Osmeña said the suspension should not be viewed as a political move.

“It went through the process. It’s been two years. They cannot say that’s political. We have more BO-PK councilors that are suspended. Eight of the councilors are from BO-PK including our candidate for vice mayor,” she said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Sisinio Andales, a BO-PK ally, said the suspension might even be good for his reelection bid. “It will give me more time to campaign without being bothered with my works as city councilor and chairman of different special bodies,” he said.

Councilor Nestor Archival Sr., BO-PK’s vice mayoral bet, also had the same view since they can campaign more without having to attend sessions at the city council.

Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos, also with BO-PK, said she has yet to get a copy of the order and “will act accordingly” after receiving it.

A Team Rama ally, Councilor Dave Tumulak, also said he would just campaign harder for the entire group.

Tinago Barangay Captain Joel Garganera, a Rama ally, said they have no plans on how to counter the suspension. “We are expecting the worst,” he added.

However, he said, Rama did not show any sign of distress when the matter was discussed in a meeting of Team Rama supporters at the mayor’s house on Saturday night.

“He was very calm. He told us that it has finally come. But he added we have nothing to fear,” he said.