FORMER Cebu City mayor Michael Rama said he was relieved when his name was not included in the new list of politicians who are allegedly involved in illegal drugs that President Rodrigo Duterte recently announced.

“Such a good news. It’s heartwarming because it proves that I’m not really included. The truth will set us free,” he said.

READ: Duterte bares new names of 'narco-politicians'

Duterte named Thursday, March 14, some politicians allegedly involved in illegal drug operations, two of them were Daanbantayan Mayor Vicente Loot and San Fernando, Cebu Vice Mayor Fralz Sabalones.

READ: Loot, Sabalones in narco-list

Former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama, who was included in the narco-list released by Duterte in August 2016, seemed to have been off the hook, as his name was not mentioned Thursday by Duterte.

After exerting a lot of efforts in having his name delisted, Rama said the latest development will really boost his candidacy.

“My opponents, they have no other issue against me. It’s a rehashed. And now the president did not include me, it is implied that I’m not really involved. It was not an easy process,” he said.

Rama is running as vice mayor in the next elections.