By Xander Ledesma
Estranged political allies former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia may soon face off in court. This development follows Rama’s recent announcement that he plans to file complaints against Garcia for alleged “usurpation” of authority. The Office of the Ombudsman previously dismissed Rama and imposed a lifetime disqualification from holding any government position following a six-month suspension.
During a press conference, Rama emphasized that he has yet to receive the official Ombudsman decision that led to his dismissal, saying, “Up until now, no official copy has been served to my team.” Rama’s legal counsels argue that he should resume his role as mayor once his preventive suspension ends on November 10, citing his status as the elected mayor. Attorney Ernesto Rama, his legal advisor, asserted that Garcia, who assumed office on October 9, lacks the electoral mandate of Cebu’s citizens.
Rama’s son, Attorney Mikel Rama, questioned the immediate enforcement of the Ombudsman’s decision, explaining that orders should be directed through the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for implementation. He claimed that this additional procedural step has not been fulfilled, adding, “We haven’t seen the required documentation.”
Rama also expressed frustration over Garcia’s decision to abandon his “Singapore-like with Melbourne features” branding for Cebu City, a slogan introduced to guide the city’s development vision. Garcia announced the rebranding during his swearing-in, stating that he wants Cebu City to stand on its own identity rather than drawing comparisons to other cities.
The conflict stems from a May 8 suspension order against Rama and other City Hall officials related to alleged non-payment of wages to City Hall employees. On October 2, the Ombudsman found Rama guilty of nepotism and misconduct, resulting in his dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and a lifetime ban from public service. Both Rama and Garcia have declared their intent to run for Cebu City mayor in the 2025 elections.