In Cebu City, turnover to be between Osmeñas

CEBU CITY—In a twist of political fate, incoming Mayor Tomas Osmeña would replace his wife, Councilor Margarita Osmeña, as head of the city government come June 30.

This loomed after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) enforced the suspension of outgoing Mayor Michael Rama, who had conceded loss to Tomas.

Rama, who would have had a little over a month left in office, was suspended for appropriating city funds in 2013 for aid to city officials and employees for two calamities–earthquake and Supertyphoon “Yolanda”—that government investigators said did not affect those who received the funds.

After the release of the funds, Rama said he used his to pay for electric bills in his home.

Employees at Rama’s office refused to receive a copy of the suspension order, prompting officials of the DILG regional office to post it on a glass door at the mayor’s office.

Aside from Rama, also ordered suspended were Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella and 12 city councilors who had been named in the complaint over the controversial calamity aid funds filed by lawyer Reymelio Dulete.

Margarita emerged as the next mayor for having the highest number of votes among the councilors who were not swept by the suspension broom.

Aiiza Fiel Nogra, legal officer of the regional DILG office, said Margarita should immediately assume office as acting mayor “by operation of law.”

Aside from Margarita, the other councilors who were left behind are Lea Japson, Richard Osmeña and Philip Zafra.

Nogra earlier said the DILG has yet to officially furnish a copy of the order to assume as acting mayor to Margarita, but Margarita had already taken an oath of office before assistant city prosecutor Matet Calibugan-Casino.

In a press conference after taking her oath of office, Osmeña vowed continuity, saying the delivery of basic services by the city government “maybe even better” during her brief stint as acting mayor.

She issued four memorandum orders to department heads, employees and village officials.

While acting as mayor, Margarita said she would also give a real picture of the city’s financial condition.

“We have to know where we are starting from,” said Margarita. She said a check of the city government’s cash balance showed it still has P8.4 billion in the bank. This means, she said, that the only money left to the city government are proceeds from the sale of the reclaimed South Road Property.

Among the councilors suspended, only Sisinio Andales personally received a copy of the DILG order.

“At least I can have a vacation with my family and focus on the cases I’m handling,” said Andales, a lawyer by profession.