Garcia ready to transition from acting to full-fledged Cebu City mayor

Local

ACTING Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia is preparing to take over as the full-fledged mayor following the dismissal of Mayor Michael Rama by the Office of the Ombudsman.

He confirmed that he will take his oath after the filing period for the 2025 midterm election certificates of candidacy (COC) concludes on October 8.

Garcia explained that the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss Rama, dated September 9, 2024, was served by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on October 3, and subsequently forwarded to the Cebu City Hall's Legal Office.

He added that since the order was addressed to Rama, the Legal Office had been instructed to deliver it to him.

Emphasizing the continuity of operations, Garcia assured that Cebu City Hall would function as usual, adding that his transition from acting mayor to full mayor would be seamless.

He said that he had already been performing all the duties of the mayor since May.

He clarified that while Rama’s preventive suspension earlier was meant to last six months, the Ombudsman’s ruling has permanently disqualified him from public office.

Garcia will now serve the remainder of Rama’s term.

The case against Rama involved allegations of nepotism and grave misconduct related to the hiring of his wife’s two brothers as casual employees at Cebu City Hall, which violated Civil Service Commission rules.

While Rama can appeal the decision, the ruling puts his political future in question, especially as he has already filed for re-election.

Regarding employees appointed by Rama, particularly those in coterminous positions, Garcia said that he would review their employment once he officially assumes office, estimating that there are around 30 to 40 such employees at City Hall.

He also noted his intention to exercise his power to appoint coterminous employees.

Expressing empathy for Rama’s situation, Garcia wished him well as he seeks legal remedies, acknowledging the difficulty of Rama's situation and reflecting that he would feel the same if he were in the same position.

Garcia is expected to file his own COC on October 8, though he has not yet revealed the specific position for which he will run.(MyTVCebu)