Mayor: There’s nothing wrong with pal’s action

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama sees nothing wrong with depositing a cash donation for City Hall project in a private account as long as the money will still serve its purpose.

Rama gave this statement yesterday to defend his friend, businessman Joni Chan, who deposited a P98,000 donation from a soft drink company, for the establishment of a canteen and souvenir shop at the Cebu City zoo.

“Ug i sulod sa iyang account, unsay problema ana? For as long as the intention is good,” Rama said.

He said he would make the same decision if placed under the same situation. He cited as example the P100,000 check donated by the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the fire victims in barangays Punta Princesa and Tejero.

The donation was a check which had to be deposited to an account before this could be encashed. He asked an aide to find money which they could advance for the distribution of the cash aid, which were given yesterday.

But can the mayor’s action be likened to what Chan did?

Chan, executive director of the United Multisectoral Coordinating Council of Cebu City (UMC4), admitted receiving a P30,000 check from Pepsi on April 27; P20,000 on May; P48, 000 on June 3.

Chan, who said that he solicited the money for a city zoo project under a public-private partnership (PPP), said the money was deposited in his bank account.

Rama, who earlier said he was unaware of the donation nor authorized Chan to solicit, said he already discussed the issue with Chan and warned him to be careful the next time around. He added he could vouch for the businessman’s commitment to help the city.  Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac