Rama cites record, chides Tom in Charter message

WITH 14 city councilors absent, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama took the opportunity to enumerate his achievements, chide his predecessor and make his case with Cebu City residents in yesterday’s 76th City Charter Day celebration.

In his Charter Day message, Rama noted the change of heart of his predecessor, Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district, towards the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) which he previously wanted to privatize.

“Maybe he and the others also had a change of heart towards the senior citizens,” Rama said in reference to Osmeña and his Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan’s (BO-PK) stance towards releasing the senior citizens assistance.

The BO-PK bloc in the council recently passed a resolution that would mandate the release of the senior citizens assistance on a monthly basis instead of twice a year.

Rama also criticized the BO-PK for insisting on a P150 million settlement with the Rallos heirs over a property that he said was donated to Cebu City.

He also said he and his allies are reviewing the city’s scholarship program.

“It’s unfortunate that we need to do some modifications (on the city scholarship program) because we have discovered that one school (Asian College of Technology CT) has a larger number of beneficiaries,” the mayor said.

The ACT is owned by Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa who is seeking election for south district congressman against Team Rama candidate Aristotle Batuhan.

In his hour-long Charter Day message, Rama also cited his achievements such as raising the senior citizens assistance from P7,000 to P10,000 and increasing the number of registered senior citizens from 20,000 to 60,000 this year.

He also mentioned about his decision to close the Inayawan landfill and recommendation to relocate the city jail from near the Asia Town IT park to barangay Kalunasan.

“The IT Park is now free of security threats which was why buildings have started to mushroom in the area,” he said.

Rama said contrary to Osmeña’s criticism, he is determined to pursue the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project.

“Like the South Road Properties (SRP), I will continue to making it (BRT) operative and functional,” Rama said.

The mayor also cited his revitalization projects in Osmeña Boulevard and the roads at the North Reclamation Area.

Rama said he asked the Beautiful Cebu Movement to also work on the revitalization of sidewalks along Mango Avenue, B. Rodriguez Road, Escario Street and N. Bacalso Avenue.

The mayor likewise reiterated his commitment to sustain the CCMC’s operations and pursue the reconstruction of the Carbon Market Unit II.

The Charter Day celebration began with a 7 a.m Mass held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral followed by a flag-raising ceremony at the City Hall grounds and Rama’s one-hour message.

From the City Hall grounds, the group moved to the San Nicolas fire department grounds for a floral offering at the monument of the late Don Vicente Rama.

Rama introduced to the crowd his Team Rama candidates led by his running mate Councilor Edgar Labella.

“I offer myself to all of you with Team Rama.  I hope we can do our share to do public service above self,” Rama said.Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac