Even if Vice President Jejomar Binay was a no-show, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and his Team Rama allies were sworn into office by a Court of Appeals (CA) justice in simple ceremonies at the Plaza Independencia past 10 a.m yesterday.
Binay was supposed to visit China last Saturday to deliver a written appeal by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III to the Chinese government to commute the death sentence of a Filipina to life imprisonment but the Chinese government didn’t allow the visit.
Rama, who was told of the cancellation on Friday night, downplayed Binay’s absence.
“The preparation was not designed just for him (Binay) but for the people,” he said.
Rama kept his remarks short, thanking supporters. He told reporters he was reserving his full speech for the inaugural session of the City Council today.
Court of Appeals Justice Pompeo Abarrientos administered the oath of office to Rama, Vice Mayor Edgar Labella and Councilors Mary Ann delos Santos, James Cuenco, Dave Tumulak and Hanz Abella.
Rep. Rodrigo Abellanosa of Cebu City’s south district was sworn in earlier when he joined allies in the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BO-PK) oath-taking ceremonies before Interior and Local Governments Secretary Manuel Roxas at the St. Pedro Calungsod Chapel.
A Mass was officiated by Rev. Msgr. Roberto Alesna at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral before the oath-taking.
In his homily Alesna challenged officials to transcend partisan politics.
“You were not elected to serve yourselves or your party. You’re elected to serve the people. May God bless you today until 2016,” he said.
A big crowd gathered at the Plaza Independencia for the oath-taking. An audio video presentation was shown featuring Rama’s political career. It explained why he broke off from the BO-PK and criticized Tomas Osmeña’s efforts to block Rama’s programs.
Guests in yesterday’s event included members of the consular corps, businessmen, former Cebu City mayor Alvin Garcia and his son Raymund, barangay officials and senior citizens.
Talent manager Annabelle Rama, the mayor’s cousin, was invited but didn’t show up.
Annabelle hasn’t visited Cebu since she made public her demand for a refund of her P3 million election contribution to the Team Rama campaign after she lost her congressional bid for Cebu citys north district.
Shipping owner Chester Cokaliong said in an interview that he was happy that Rama won the election.
“May he continue what he did in his first term. He (Rama) really did a lot like the beautification of Plaza Independencia and all the roads,” he said.
Cokaliong said Rama, a close friend and basketball buddy, spent a lot to implement essential projects.
The guests had lunch at the Fort San Pedro after the event. /Edison A. delos Angeles and Jose Santino S. Bunachita, Correspondents