No more ‘acting,’ Garcia transitions to full-fledged Cebu City mayor

Local

CEBU City officially welcomed its new mayor, after Raymond Alvin Garcia took oath as the city’s new full-fledged mayor on Wednesday, October 9.

Director Leocadio Trovela of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Central Visayas (DILG 7) administered the ceremony, confirming Garcia’s transition from acting to full-fledged mayor.

Garcia took over after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Mayor Mike Rama for nepotism and grave misconduct, permanently banning him from public office.

Rama, and seven other City Hall officials, had been suspended for six months for failing to pay the salaries of four City Hall employees.

Garcia will serve until June 30, 2025, completing Rama’s term.

He called the opportunity an honor and said his five months as acting mayor proved his dedication to Cebu City.

Garcia pledged to continue serving with integrity.

Although now the permanent mayor, Garcia chose to remain in the Vice Mayor's office, where the oath-taking took place, with his family. His parents, former Mayor Alvin Garcia and Ninette, wife Kate, and daughter Lexi, were present.

Additionally, Garcia saw the transition as a formality and stressed that the change in title would not alter his focus.

He said he is committed to address key city issues, including health care, housing, and the budget for next year.

Garcia’s oath came a day after filing his Certificate of Candidacy for the 2025 mayoral election, where he will run under the Kusug-Panaghiusa coalition with vice mayoral candidate Joey Daluz and a full slate of 16 councilors.

At 47, Garcia is the youngest candidate for mayor. He said his time as acting mayor had deepened his connection to the city and strengthened his leadership.

He assured a smooth transition at City Hall, noting that he had already been performing all the mayor’s duties since May, so the change would not affect operations.

Garcia also explained that while Rama’s suspension was initially temporary, the Ombudsman’s ruling had permanently barred him from public office.

One of Garcia’s top priorities will be reviewing the status of employees appointed by Rama, especially those in coterminous positions tied to the mayor’s term.

He estimated there are about 30 to 40 such employees and plans to evaluate their employment, using his new authority to make his own appointments.(MyTVCebu)