No cash gift, only raffle for brgy execs

AS a parting shot, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said each barangay councilor will receive a P20,000 cash gift before Christmas during last Saturday’s general assembly of the Barangay Councilors League of the Philippines.

Holding him to his word, the city’s barangay councilors visited Rama’s office to claim their cash gift only to be disappointed.

Philip Zafra, the mayor’s chief of staff, told the councilors they weren’t advised by Rama about the cash gift.

In his noontime press conference yesterday, Rama clarified that he was only giving P20,000 in personal cash.

Councilors Jun Pe Jr. and Rodrigo Abellanosa and league president Franklyn Ong also promised to contribute P20,000 each.

“It’s Christmas to all, a lot of people complained that they haven’t won anything so we’ll give something for Christmas,” Rama said when asked about his monetary pledge.

About 50 sacks of rice, two washing machines and three refrigerators were raffled off during the assembly held at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug.

Rama clarified that not all barangay councilors will get the cash gift he promised.  Instead, he had the money raffled off to one winner per barangay.

Since the city has 80 barangays, the money that he and the three other officials would contribute will be enough for the raffle prizes.   Rama said he was only waiting for the list of winners to release the P20,000 share.

He said giving out the cash should not be construed for another reason other a cash gift.

“I dont think so (it will be construed for another reason) because this is making people happy,” he said. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac