MERGED: RAMA-OSMENA Conflict, and related issues

[kit_cebu]

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^lol................

yes they has!

[taga_ipil]

Rama leaves BOPK
By Elly T. Bolonos, Jill B. Tatoy, Oscar C. Pineda and Princess Dawn H. Felicitas
Friday, June 3, 2011

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday announced his leaving the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kaus-wagan because he was fed up with the talks that BOPK founder Tomas Osmeña has disowned him.

Rama had built his political career under BOPK’s auspices. He cut his ties with BOPK after 19 years, a move that Osmeña said already happened last year yet.

“Sige man sila og ingon nga wa tay labot. Now, magsige ko og pangangkon nga apil ko unya wa diay koy labot, mura ko og broken record (They kept telling me I was no longer part of BOPK but I kept saying I still was and I was beginning to sound like a broken record). I will be a hypocrite and naïve (to continue staying with BOPK) after what has been demonstrated against me,” Rama said.

He said he remains with the Liberal Party and doesn’t need to affiliate with a local party.

Councilors

He said he will be with a party that will stand for the good of Cebu City, observe the rule of law, and adhere to the philosophies of stewardship, servant-hood, custodianship and partnership.

He will maintain the harmonious relationship he has with the City Council unless the councilors, who are all allied with BOPK, heed only the voice of one man and no longer stand for themselves, he said.

He reminded them to have the Cebuanos’ interest in mind by not blocking his programs and projects just because he is no longer allied with them.

He will continue to serve the public in the same manner and efficiency that he has
been adopting, he said.

Rama was thankful to BOPK for helping him get elected as councilor for three terms, vice mayor for three terms, and mayor.

He refused to give a message to Osmeña about his severance from BOPK.

“He doesn’t need any message. I don’t want to add up anything. He feels he’s the best,” Rama said.

Reactions

Rep. Osmeña has scheduled a press conference today to answer questions about Rama’s move, which he said was expected.

Vice Mayor Joy Young was out of town and did not pick up calls.

Councilors Jose Daluz III and Alvin Dizon said they respect Rama’s decision, while Councilor Margot Osmeña said Rama’s move didn’t surprise her.

It was clear since last year where he was heading because “his actions speak louder than his words,” Councilor Osmeña said.

“He only formally announced it,” she said.

Councilor Edgardo Labella said he was saddened by the development since Rama was one of the pillars of BOPK.

Labella expects to see Rama and the City Council to continue working together.

Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) president Michael Ralota, barangay captain of T. Padilla, said he sees BOPK cracking with Rama’s departure.

Basak San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama said he knows of four councilors who are on Mayor Rama’s side but left them unnamed.

Alvin Garcia, a former mayor and opposition party Kugi Uswag Sugbu (Kusug) leader, said Rama made the right decision.

Like Rama, Garcia was with BOPK but was being publicly disparaged by Tomas Osmeña when he became mayor.

Security

Meanwhile, Rama has been advised by the police to be more careful where he goes, especially at night.

The mayor has received death threats for his decision to clear the Mahiga Creek of illegal settlements.

Romeo Santander, City Intelligence Branch chief, said his men are profiling the illegal settlers of Mahiga.

Rama met with the illegal settlers yesterday. They begged him to allow them to continue staying along the riverbank because they have their livelihood in the area.

They said they don’t see their lives in danger because the river has been dredged and it no longer overflows during a downpour.

Rama stood firm on his decision: clear Mahiga Creek of settlements.

Capitol’s help

In a news conference yesterday, Rama said he has asked Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to donate to Cebu City a Capitol lot in Banilad that he could use as a site for socialized housing.

At the Capitol, Governor Garcia said her meeting with Rama and Vice President Jejomar Binay on housing concerns was fruitful.

Binay heads the office that oversees housing loan package for the middle class and urban poor.

Garcia said Binay will send his consultant to assess the situation and determine which package would be suitable for Cebu.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 03, 2011.

[7DMM]

BOPK-Bando Osmena Pundok Kabungkagon

[cliff_drew]

Its about time. He is the Mayor now.

[j-RoLD]

Para nako, bisag unsa pa ka mga iron-fisted, arrogant, or whatsoever kining mga Osmeña, they're still the best in terms of local governance. Unlike Alvin Garcia, mas daghan ug supporters karon si Rama and if Tomas Osmeña will run again as mayor of Cebu, I have this gut feeling nga divided ang votes sa mga tawo kung kinsay ilang botaran. Bow!

[monroy]

[KizoneC]

go go mayor! para saktong away na jud !

[technowar]

Rama met with the illegal settlers yesterday. They begged him to allow them to continue staying along the riverbank because they have their livelihood in the area.

Unsa diay ni nga livelihood?

[td209]

^^ manginhas guro sila sa creek hehehe

[technowar]

Naa dae kinhason nga freshwater?