Amid row with Rama’s camp, Garcia assures smooth operations at City Hall

Local

CEBU City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia assured the public that operations at City Hall will continue without interruption, despite recent controversies involving suspended City Administrator Collin Rosell.

Garcia emphasized that “public service has to be delivered to the people” after Rosell was arrested last Friday for allegedly attempting to enter City Hall without authorization.

"Business as usual," he said on Monday, November 11.

Garcia ordered the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to maintain order at City Hall to ensure the incident would not disrupt government services.

“I ordered the CCPO to ensure that the operations at the City Hall will not be hampered because of the incident,” he said.

In addition, Garcia instructed the City Administrator, the Human Resource Development Office (HRDO), and the City Legal Office to investigate any possible misconduct by City Hall employees.

He pledged that if the investigation uncovers violations, those responsible will face charges.

On Friday, supporters of former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama gathered at Senior Citizens Park across from the Cebu City Executive Building to protest Rama’s suspension and removal from office.

The crowd, labeling Garcia a “fake mayor,” accused him of orchestrating Rama’s dismissal.

The Office of the Ombudsman permanently disqualified Rama from government office following a ruling that found him guilty of nepotism.

However, Garcia clarified that Rama is still welcome at City Hall, particularly for any official transactions as a private citizen.

“This is a public office, this is a public building. He can always come back,” he said, affirming that there would be no restrictions on Rama’s entry in a personal capacity.

Asked about Rosell’s claim that Rama would soon return as mayor, Garcia declined to comment, instead deferring to the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Ombudsman.

In a separate press conference, CCPO Director Col. Antonietto Cañete said Rosell is facing charges of usurpation of authority and resistance to authority.

Cañete explained that officers apprehended Rosell for allegedly attempting to assume responsibilities of City Administrator Kristine Batucan without legal authority.

Rosell posted bail at the Cebu City Hall of Justice over the weekend.

Garcia also directed the CCPO to exercise “maximum tolerance” for anyone protesting at City Hall.

However, he emphasized that if actions breach the law, authorities should intervene. “If they do illegal acts again, then I believe that the Philippine National Police have to do what they have to do,” Garcia said.

Cañete assured that Rosell’s arrest involved no special treatment, noting that officers responded to the situation based on standard procedures.(MyTVCebu)