CEBU CITY — Tensions ran high at Cebu City Hall on Friday as hundreds of supporters of former mayor Michael Rama staged a protest to contest his recent dismissal and voice their support for his legal battle to reclaim his position.
The protest, marked by chants and signs calling for Rama's reinstatement, unfolded peacefully as a heavy police presence monitored the crowd to ensure order. Protesters rallied against the removal of Rama, accusing the city government of unfairly removing him from office and supporting his legal team's efforts to reverse the decision.
Legal Team Asserts Rama Is Still the Legitimate Mayor
Rama's legal team took center stage in a press conference, where they insisted that he remains the legitimate mayor of Cebu City. Atty. Estong Rama, a member of the legal team, argued that the dismissal lacks legal foundation. He pointed out that Cebu City had not yet received an official order enforcing the Ombudsman's decision, leaving the dismissal unexecuted.
“Until the official notice is served, Michael Rama remains the mayor of Cebu City,” said Atty. Collin Rosell, the suspended city administrator, who also joined the press briefing. He noted that Rama's six-month suspension was set to expire on November 11, and without an official order of dismissal, there was no reason to prevent him from resuming office.
The legal team further contended that the Ombudsman’s decision had not been properly delivered to Rama. They claimed that Cebu City Police Chief Col. Antonietto Cañete left the dismissal notice at Rama’s residence on October 5 without any formal acknowledgment from the mayor's camp. Additionally, Rosell pointed out that the dismissal document was signed by the Deputy Ombudsman, not the Ombudsman himself, which raised further questions regarding the legitimacy of the move.
Rama’s team filed a motion for reconsideration with the Ombudsman on October 15, seeking a full review of the dismissal. They also elevated the case to the Supreme Court, challenging the disqualification that bars Rama from running in the 2025 mayoral race.
Supporters Demand Rama's Immediate Reinstatement
Outside Cebu City Hall, Rama's supporters held placards with slogans such as "No to Fake New Mayor" and "Mananapaw (Usurper), Fake Oath-taking," in protest against the installation of Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia as acting mayor. Demonstrators demanded Rama's immediate reinstatement, claiming his removal was politically motivated and procedurally flawed.
Despite the heated atmosphere, the Cebu City Police ensured that the protest remained peaceful, increasing security to prevent potential unrest while allowing the rally to continue without incident.
Garcia Reassures Public, Emphasizes Stability
Inside City Hall, acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia addressed the situation, reassuring the public that the operations of the local government would continue without disruption. “I absolutely do not want the operations at Cebu City Hall to be interrupted,” Garcia said, stressing the administration's commitment to maintaining stability amid the ongoing legal dispute.
Garcia, who was sworn in as mayor on October 9, highlighted the importance of ensuring that city services remain uninterrupted despite the political turmoil.
A Divided City
The ongoing dispute has revealed deep divisions within Cebu's local government. Rama's supporters argue that his removal was not only unfair but also unconstitutional, citing procedural errors in the transition of power to Garcia. In contrast, Garcia's supporters maintain that the transition followed proper legal procedures.
Rama’s dismissal stems from allegations of nepotism for allegedly hiring his two brothers-in-law in government positions. He had also been previously suspended for failing to pay four City Hall employees for 10 months. Following his preventive suspension in May, Garcia assumed the role of acting mayor and was officially sworn in as mayor in a ceremony led by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Central Visayas Director Leocadio Trovela.
Rama, however, was conspicuously absent from the ceremony, with his current whereabouts unclear. Recently, Rama posted on his social media account that he is in Europe with his wife and son, where they are celebrating his recent church wedding.