Rama taps Alvin, Cuenco as advisors

FOUR political allies of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will be tapped for consultancy work and executive positions when he assumes office at July 1.

Former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia and former congressman Antonio Cuenco will work as Rama’s consultants on the Waterfront Development Project and Sister Cities Concerns respectively.

Garcia, Rama said, already agreed on a P1 per year rate while he has yet to speak with Cuenco on his compensation.

The Kugi Uswag Sugbu (Kusug) party of Garcia supported Team Rama candidates Cuenco’s son, incoming Councilor James Cuenco.

Rama said he will also tap outgoing Councilors Jose Daluz III and Edu Rama Jr. as “organic personnel” of the executive office. “What’s important is that they are willing to help,” he said.

Rama confirmed yesterday that lawyer Dominic Dino will replace Evangeline Abatayo as head the Human Resources Management Office (HRMO). Abatayo heads the City Civil Registrars Office.

Dino, a former seminarian and college professor, served as Rama’s chief of staff since the 1990’s. Jose Marie Poblete will retain his post as city administrator.Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac