CEBU CITY — Amid a festive atmosphere that featured fireworks and dance numbers, the slate of Barug-PDP-Laban headed by acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was formally introduced to the public on Tuesday, October 5.
Rama will be running for mayor opposite Margot Osmeña of the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).
Rama’s running mate will be City Councilor Raymond Garcia, who will go up against BOPK bet Franklyn Ong and former City Administrator Bimbo Fernandez.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque attended the event, which was held at the Casino Espanyol de Cebu main hall.
“I came here not as Harry Roque but I came here as the spokesperson of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, to exhort all Cebuanos: vote straight Partido Barug-PDP-Laban in Cebu City,” said Roque.
Interviewed by reporters after his speech, Roque disclosed that the Cebu City local slate is the first to be officially endorsed by the President.
Roque led the traditional “hand raising ceremony” of all candidates.
Candidates of the Barug-PDP-Laban are expected to file their certificates of candidacy (COCs) on Thursday, October 7.
Rama said the party will soon be announcing the presidential candidate that they will be supporting.
“I was talking with the President last (Monday) night and I was told by him na “Mike, kampanya lang mo (go on with the campaign), I (Duterte) will be there any time in October”,” Rama said.