Fireworks mark launch of Cebu City acting mayor’s political group

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque campaigns for Cebu City Acting Mayor Michael Rama and his slate’s bid for the 2022 polls. (DALE ISRAEL/INQUIRER VISAYAS)

CEBU CITY—The political group of Cebu City Acting Mayor Michael Rama officially launched Tuesday its bid for the 2022 polls.

The event held at the main hall of Casino Español de Cebu was complete with dancers, festival drummers, and fireworks.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was among the guests of the event dubbed as “Panagtapok” or “Coming Together.” About a hundred people attended the launch.

“I came here not as Harry Roque but as the spokesperson of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, to exhort all Cebuanos: Vote straight Partido Barug-PDP-Laban sa Cebu City,” said Roque in a speech.

“Cebu has always been, probably the most important city in the Philippines and apologies to Manila. It was here that history started, and it was here that we first showed our heroism as a Filipino, and it was here that we were able to prove that the Filipino can soar high.”

In an interview after his speech, Roque said the Cebu City local slate was the first one to be officially endorsed by the President.

During the event, Roque led the “hand-raising ceremony” of all local candidates. They sprinkled alcohol on their hands afterward.

Rama, who is running under the Barug-PDP-Laban party, said whoever President Duterte anoints as the candidate would also be the candidate of the local group.

“I was talking with the President last (Monday) night, and I was told by him na ‘Mike, kampanya lang mo (Start your campaign). I will be there anytime in October,” Rama said.

Cebu is under general community quarantine. Gatherings are allowed at a limited capacity depending on the size of the venue.

lzb