Mike backs Raymond versus Tomas

Local

A POLITICAL storm involving key figures in Cebu City Hall is brewing.

Former mayor Michael Rama is throwing his support behind former mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia amid controversy over a P4.4-million electric SUV procurement, and Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña is firing back with biting criticism.

In a press conference on Friday, July 4, Rama said he sympathizes with Garcia, who is under scrutiny for approving the purchase request of a luxury BYD Tang SUV while serving as mayor in 2024.

Rama also said he would not hesitate to step in as Garcia’s legal counsel, should the need arise.

“Malooy ko ni Raymond. Nagdali sila, amo unta ni nga administration. Unsaon nako sila pagdepensa?” Rama said. “Ingna si Raymond, I will be his lawyer. Akoy mo-depensa.”

The former mayor brushed aside the issue, echoing Garcia’s earlier claim that the SUV purchase was canceled and no public funds were spent.

“Wala man kaha palita, so no injury or damage. Then no liability. Then no case,” Rama added.

But Osmeña wasn’t having any of it.

In a pointed response on Facebook, Osmeña said Rama is “the most qualified” to defend Garcia, labeling him an “expert” in overpriced vehicle acquisitions.

“Of course, Rama should be Garcia’s defense lawyer. He’s the most qualified. He’s the expert in overpriced vehicles, after all,” Osmeña said in a statement.

“Exhibit A: A P3.6-million HiAce, courtesy of four-time suspended and perpetually disqualified Michael L. Rama.”

Osmeña has repeatedly questioned the SUV deal, along with other government procurements made under the previous administration, which he alleges contributed to a P2-billion deficit currently being reviewed by the new city government.

He also claimed that key documents were allegedly destroyed during the transition.

“There’s a reason Gwen Jr. tried very hard to destroy documents on his way out. He says he’s cooperating with Mayor Nestor, but in truth, he’s trying to sabotage him at every turn,” Osmeña said.

According to him, a well-regarded auditor from Manila has been brought in to assist with the ongoing review of the city’s records, hinting at more issues yet to surface: “Many more exhibits to come.”

Garcia, who finished Rama’s mayoral term after his dismissal, earlier defended the procurement, saying it was aborted before any payment was made.

“Na-cancel naman to nga transaction. In fact, the City Government has not paid a single centavo on it,” Garcia told reporters on July 3.

He explained that the purchase request for the BYD SUV originated from the Office of the Building Official (OBO), and that he initially endorsed the proposal.

However, he said he halted the process upon receiving an unfavorable legal opinion from the City Legal Office.

“Pagawas sa City Legal opinion, kay ako dayun gipa-cancel. Wala gyud nabayran ang City Government,” Garcia said.

Despite Garcia’s defense, Osmeña and other officials in the new administration remain skeptical, especially after learning that the legal opinion on the procurement was dated after the May 2025 elections, months after the transaction was initiated.

They also pointed out that the vehicle was used prior to its return, calling into question whether the purchase was ever truly off the table.

Osmeña has said that the SUV controversy is just the tip of the iceberg, and that it reflects deeper issues in how the city’s finances and procurement systems were handled under previous leadership.

Rama’s declaration that he would defend Garcia has added another layer of political tension between Cebu City’s biggest political figures.

Garcia was Rama’s vice mayor before their coalition collapsed in late 2024, after Garcia assumed the mayoralty during Rama’s suspension.

Despite their fallout, Rama’s recent statement suggests a rekindling of political solidarity, at least when it comes to protecting their shared legacy.

“Raymond was my vice mayor. I cannot abandon my vice mayor. Kung tinuod nga wala nabayri, naa bay kaso? Wala,” Rama said.(TGP)