Defeated mayoralty bet Rama says 'Barug' open to alliance

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BARUG is always open to any alliance.

Former mayor and Partido Barug leader Michael “Mike” Rama said the party is always open to forging alliances, formal or situational, as long as they uphold the public interest.

In a press conference on Friday, July 4, Rama said that politics should always be anchored on what serves the people best, especially as the new City Council begins its term.

“We stand for the people, that’s why BARUG. Ang politika, anything goes. Dili jud ta kaingon nga ug sa tagalog pa, ‘wag ka magsalita ng patapos.’ Final statement? What will really serve the greater good and the greater number is what we will pursue,” Rama said.

Rama added that while some alliances may be formalized, others could be forged depending on evolving political realities and circumstances.

“Being a lawyer, I am also the head of Partido Barug. There is no such thing as an alliance until there is paper being signed. [However], there is also such a thing as a situation that occurs, then there can be a circumstantial alliance,” he explained.

“Party interest ends when people’s interest commences… As the president and the head of Partido Barug, I am telling you for the good of the City of Cebu and the interest of those investing in the City of Cebu, I am always open to any alliance.”

Councilor Mikel Rama, son of the former mayor, took a similar tone when asked about possible realignments involving Barug members, Bando Osmeña–Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), or Kusug.

“I cannot speak for other people, but I can only speak for myself. The main thing is that my main alliance is with the people of the City of Cebu. That’s my main alliance,” he said.

“And whatever political partisan arrangement, as long as it benefits and for the common good of the constituency that chose us, I will be supportive of.”

Asked whether there is an existing alliance between Barug and Kusug, Councilor Rama declined to confirm, saying such conclusions may be premature.

“I don’t have enough information to confirm or deny," he said.

Their statements follow recent remarks by Kusug president and former mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who hinted at a possible revival of the Kusug-Barug coalition.

In a June 28 interview, Garcia noted the presence of several Barug figures, including Councilors Francis Esparis, Franklyn Ong, and Rep. Edu Rama Jr., at the Kusug councilors’ oathtaking ceremony.

“It just shows nga united ang among grupo. Of course, we will work for the best interest and development for the Cebuanos and the City of Cebu,” Garcia said.

He emphasized that personal relationships and shared values continue to exist between their parties.

“Nalipay ko nga nagpakita gyud sila, ilabina si Congressman Edu Rama, just to show support diri sa atong grupo, sa atong partido. Kahibaw baya gyud mo nga isa ra mi ug partido sauna. We just ran in different parties sa 2025 pero it doesn’t mean to say dili nami amigo, dili nami higala. Amigo gihapon mi. We share the same principles. We share the same passion. We share many things alike.”

Garcia said formal discussions are ongoing but stopped short of declaring a confirmed alliance.

“Definitely, we have been talking with them. Mao lage na nga mag-abot lang gyud gihapon mi ug estorya regarding coalitions, committee memberships, and chairmanships. Mo-prangka ko ninyo. I’ve stated that already before, so maghuwat lang gyud ta sa election mismo sa inaugural session,” he said.

The possibility of a Kusug-Barug reunion comes nearly a year after their split.

In September 2024, Rama publicly declared the end of the coalition, following tensions with Garcia, who took over as mayor during Rama’s suspension. Their fallout was widely seen as a turning point in City Hall’s political realignments.

Just months prior to the breakup, the two had intended to run together in the 2025 elections.

“Still my vice mayor for 2025 is Raymond Garcia,” Rama had declared in February 2024.(TGP)