Rama: VP’s presence justified use of City Hall resources

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama told the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that City Hall helped in preparing the venue of the proclamation rally of the United Nationalists Alliance (UNA) last Feb. 12, because the second and third highest officials of government were coming.

In a letter to Eddie Aba, provincial Comelec supervisor, Rama said he saw nothing irregular in using City Hall resources in providing basic services like managing traffic and garbage disposal at Plaza Independencia where UNA’s proclamation rally was held.

The presence of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Rama said, is  deserving of basic assistance from the City Hall.

He added, City Hall should not be singled out as protocol officers of Binay and Enrile were also coordinating with the Philippine National Police, the Land Transportation Office and the City Integrated Traffic Operation Management regarding their visit to Cebu City.

The mayor said he no longer finds it necessary to attach any more documents in the letter he sent Aba.

“I have no intention to convince them (Comelec).  I have only the courtesy to answer them because that’s my job. They sent me a letter and I answered them,” said Rama.

Aba said Rama’s reply will be forwarded to the Legal Department of the Comelec in Manila with their report on the incident which include newspaper clippings on the alleged use of city government vehicles for the political rally.

The Comelec Law Department he said would determine if the regulations were violated.

re is probable cause for violation on the prohibition on the use of government resources in partisan political activities. /Edison A. delos Angeles, Correspondent