Rama eyes slate with “saksak sinagol” bets in reelection bid

Local

SUSPENDED Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has started forming his slate for his reelection bid as the filing of certificates of candidacy approaches this October.

In a press conference on Monday, September 2, Rama revealed several incumbent officials who may join his lineup, including some known members of former Mayor Tommy Osmeña's local party, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

Rama said the candidates who may compose his slate will come from North and South districts of Cebu City.

"Saksak sinagol ni. Pasabot, Norte ug South (It’s mixed composition. Meaning, from north and south),” Rama said.

Among those mentioned were his nephew, incumbent South District Representative Edu Rama, along with city councilors Joy Pesquera, Phillip Zafra, Noel Wenceslao, Francis Esparis, and acting Vice Mayor Dondon Hontiveros.

Additionally, Rama noted that Franklyn Ong, an ex-officio member and president of the Association of Barangay Councils, might join his slate.

Ong had previously run as BOPK's candidate for vice mayor alongside Margot Osmeña in the 2022 elections.

Rama also included Jessica Resch, the former

Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President and ex-officio council member, in his potential lineup.

Other individuals named by Rama include Barangay Bacayan Captain Winston Pepito, Barangay Cogon Pardo Captain Harry Eran, Cebu City United Vendors Association chairman Maria Pino, former Calape Mayor Ernest Herrera, and former Budget Officer Jerone Castillo.

Additional mentions included suspended City Administrator Collin Rosell, Barangay Tisa Councilor Sonia Cal, Cebu City Medical Center officer-in-charge Peter Mancao, Barangay Kamputhaw Councilor Harold Go, Barangay Buhisan Captain Gremar Barete, and Rama's son, Mikel Rama.

However, Rama has not yet announced a running mate following a fallout with acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

Rama and Garcia ran together in the 2022 mayoral race, but their relationship soured, particularly during Rama's six-month preventive suspension, during which Garcia assumed the role of acting mayor.(MyTVCebu)