CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama admitted that he called to his office last Wednesday City Hall managers to ask who are supporting his reelection bid.
But he denied reports that some department heads walked out of the meeting.
Rama said that with the “political temperature now high,” he wanted to be certain who among the City Hall department and division heads are willing to work with him.
He said he called for the meeting to know where he stands because he didn’t t want to find out later on that he was “stabbed in the back.”
Rama said he would not ask those who support him to campaign with him or take action against those who are not supporting him.
“Don’t worry I will not take it against you,” Rama said.
He said that with the election ban, there is no way he can transfer City Hall personnel.
He said that after he asked staff his question, he left his office conference room to give them time to think. When he returned five minutes later, none of those present spoke up.
He again left, to give them 10 more minutes to think. When he came back and nobody still spoke so he adjourned the meeting.
“There was no walk out (during the meeting). I would like to be very clear about that. To say walk out is an irresponsible choice of word,” Rama said referring to reports circulating about the meeting.
City veterinarian Alice Utlang said in a separate interview that she left the meeting because she did not like it when the mayor started to solicit the department heads’ help in ensuring his re-election. She said the mayor threatened to replace those who do not support him.
Aside from Utlang, city legal officer Joseph Bernaldez, city treasurer Emma Villarete, internal control office head Arlene Rentoza and Department of Manpower Development and Placement head Fidel Magno reportedly walked out of the meeting.