Editorial: Qs7: Seven questions City Hall reporters didn’t ask: Why Mike Rama talks a lot, how his love life is, if ‘gwapohay’ or singing match with rival matters, and who’s running the City

Editorial Art By John Gilbert Manantan
Editorial Art By John Gilbert Manantan

CEBU CITY Vice Mayor Michael Rama, as vaccines convenor and often the acting mayor, has been more seen and heard during the pandemic than Mayor Edgardo Labella, given the mayor’s frequent leaves of absence and work-from-home stints.

In the flurry of media questions about the vaccination campaign and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG’s) reported plan to investigate the city’s vax requirement for indoor dining in restaurants, these would have slim chance of being raised:

[1] You talk a lot. They say you talk more than you need to: a style that departs from Governor Gwen Garcia’s mantra, “Ang buhat pasultihon.” Why?

Talking is needed and, of course, in making things happen. And I can do both.

[2] You’re vice mayor to Mayor [Edgar] Labella whom people haven’t heard or seen in public for some time now. Earlier you complained that you couldn’t communicate with the mayor. Who’s actually running the City?

That question should be directed at the mayor.

[3] You’ve been city mayor, Sanggunian presiding officer, and, many times lately, acting mayor. Which is more fun? Or is it, nothing like being the regular mayor?

Serving as acting mayor and City Council presiding officer, combined, is more fun. Being a regular mayor is more challenging.

(DILG, citing the Supreme Court, prohibits an acting mayor from serving at the same as City Council presiding officer because the executive and legislative departments are independent of each other.)

[4] Your arch-rival Tomas Osmeña is most likely not your opponent in the mayoralty race in 2022. Are you disappointed in facing Representative Bebot Abellanosa instead?

Both are formidable opponents. Let us see who will actually run.

[5] How would you fare against Kong Bebot if “gwapohay” or in a singing match (he sings with a band and you can sing a capella)?

This is not a personality or Mr. Cebu contest. The city’s voters are intelligent enough. They don’t vote for (good looks or) money but on track record (of the candidate).

[6] Your rivals hit hard. At one time during the last campaign, they repeatedly ridiculed Barug councilors as “Team Suyop.” In turn, you use catchphrases, quotes and slogans. It is said that constant repetition of a lie could make the people believe it.

Only the truth hurts. If (what they say against us is) not true, why be bothered.

[7] How is your love life? Your love liaisons not long ago were extensively publicized.

Love life should be personal. But (if one must talk about it) I am very much comfortable where I am in now.

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