THOUSANDS of supporters gathered at the Rama compound to celebrate the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) victory against the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) in the May 13 elections.
A banner with the words “Together we can make history. The fall of Tomas Empire.” greeted supporters as they entered the compound with 40 ushers guiding them to their assigned places.
“Let us enjoy the day and forget that its my victory, not Team Rama’s victory. This is not our victory but this is God’s victory,” said reelected Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, who won by 6,000 votes against his rival, BO-PK leader Tomas Osmena.
Vice Mayor Edgar Labella, Cebu South councilor James Cuenco and Dave Tumulak and the south congressional candidate of Team Rama Aristotle Batuhan also spoke to thank their supporters.
“I’m deeply elated with the overwhelming manifestation of support, the outpouring of sympathy and concern from the people. Thank you very much,” Labella said.
Jocelyn Joy Pesquera, a lawyer closely identified with Rama, said she estimated the crowd at around 7,000.
The activity started at 3 p.m. with a Mass officiated by Fr. Expedito Torrevillas.
Mayor Rama, who returned from a vacation, also visited last Thursday Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma to assure the prelate of his support in the hosting of the International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.
He assured Palma that the church could use the SRP where the San Pedro Calungsod thanksgiving Mass was held for the Congress’ open air activities. /Correspondent Edison delos Angeles and UP Intern Apple Ta-as with CNU Intern Jeanymae Ardiente