Cebu City Mayor Rama endorses Bongbong, Sara

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (INQUIRER.net file photos)

CEBU CITY — Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and his political party on Wednesday formally endorsed the presidential bid of former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

But his local coalition, which is composed of three groups, might have different presidential candidates.

Rama’s group is composed of a coalition including BARUG Party, which he leads, KUSOG, led by Cebu City Councilor Raymond Garcia, and PANAGHIUSA, which former Cebu City Councilor Joey Daluz leads.

PANAGHIUSA earlier endorsed the presidential bid of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno.

Rama, whose BARUG Party is allied with PDP-LABAN, emphasized they are still united in the local political scene despite supporting different national candidates. He said there is the mutual respect in the local coalition.

“We officially make a statement that our presidential candidate is BBM, Bongbong Marcos, so that ends this particular saga in what we call the waiting time,” he said.

In previous interviews, Rama said they would support whoever President Duterte will endorse for president.

Asked if Marcos would also be the President’s choice, Rama replied: “We do not want to be the spokesperson of the President. We have to leave it to the President but definitely us in the local scene, we would wish that in the days to come that whoever the President will anoint will be allied with us.”

“But we don’t dictate the President, we only pray and hope that he will also be with us in this direction and we always respect whatever position the President will take,” Rama added.