CEBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama here has tapped former Sen. Franklin M. Drilon, a Liberal Party stalwart, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson to help realize his vision of achieving a "Singapore-like Cebu City."
“Today, we will have two distinguished gentlemen in the Advisory Council,” said Rama, referring to Drilon and Singson, who was the DPWH Secretary of the late President Benigno S. Aquino III from 2010 to 2016, in a press briefing on Monday, Sept. 19.
Drilon and Singson are the latest former national government officials to join the Cebu city gov’t workforce.
Rama had earlier appointed former Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas as this city's peace and order adviser.
The Cebu City mayor had also hired former Roy Cimatu for a “Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-like Secretary role.” Cimatu was the DENR Secretary of former President Duterte from 2017 to 2022.
Just like Cimatu, Drilon, a former Justice Secretary, and Singson are expected to help this city in its bid to reclaim easement zones, particularly in the major seven rivers. They will also help in this city's flood control projects.
Drilon thanked Rama for including him in this city's Advisory Council.
“I am glad Mayor Mike has put forward a mission of a Singapore-like Cebu City,” said Drilon.
“We will do our best, whether we succeed or not. But if there is something I can guarantee, our willingness to help... we look forward to be able to see a Singapore-like Cebu City,” Drilon added.