Less than a year before the elections, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wanted to make clear to barangay officials that he won’t tolerate the presence of streamers in government buildings in the city.
In yesterday’s meeting with 57 barangay captains at the Sinulog Hall of the Rizal Library, the mayor called the attention of four barangay officials whom he claimed had allowed the display of type “O” streamers in their barangay halls.
The mayor also blew his top when he saw a huge Team Rama tarpaulin displayed on the stage and ordered City Hall personnel to remove it.
“A mayor’s work is never done. Even if he’s just new, already someone wants him out,” Rama said.
The type “O” posters were set up by followers of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) party of former mayor and now Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district.
Rama left the BO-PK after differences between him and the party-dominated council over the handling of the relocation of Mahiga Creek occupants boiled over last year.
In his speech Rama identified the barangay captains as Pancho Ramirez of Sto. Nino, Carmelo Milan of Kalubihan, Jesselou Cadungog of Tejero, Rey Ompoc of Mabolo, Antonio Carusca of Pahina San Nicolas and Eddie Cabulao of Tisa.
He said these barangay officials were already engaged in campaigning ahead of next year’s elections.
Rama said the barangay officials should instead focus on their work and set aside partisan politics.
Rama said barangay captains allied with BO-PK will still receive aid despite his differences with the party.
He said they should set an example to their constituents rather than engage in politicking.
Cadungog and Ramirez were silent while the mayor spoke about ordering the removal of the Team Rama tarpaulin from the Sinulog Hall stage.
“That’s government property. It should never be used for political purpose,” Rama said.
He admitted to reporters that he had to attend barangay hall meetings to catch up with Osmeña and the BO-PK camp.
Rama then apologized to the barangay officials for mentioning their names.
Later Cadungog accused Rama of not acting on his requests for footpath, ambulance and sound systems for his barangay.
“The election is just a few months away and when he leaves City Hall, we’ll get double the amount of the assistance set aside for my barangay,” Cadungog said.
Cadungog referred to an earlier promise by Osmeña that he will increase their assistance should Rama withhold their share of barangay aid due to politicking.
But Rama said Osmeña also withheld assistance for barangays Cogon Pardo, Punta Princesa, Sambag I, Duljo Fatima, Tinago, Pasil and Lahug whose barangay captains were not allied with him.