CEBU CITY – This city has a new mayor.
After serving as acting mayor for several months, Raymond Alvin Garcia took his oath as full-fledged chief executive on Wednesday, October 9.
MAYOR Raymond Alvin Garcia holds his first press conference as full-fledged chief executive of Cebu City on Wednesday, October 9. (MyTVCebu)
Director Leocadio Trovela of the Department of Interior and Local Government-Central Visayas (DILG-7) administered Garcia’s oath at the vice mayor's office.
Garcia had been serving in an acting capacity since the suspension of Mayor Mike Rama last May by the Office of the Ombudsman.
He will serve the remainder of Rama's term until June 30, 2025.
Rama was dismissed from his post and permanently barred from running for public office by the Ombudsman for nepotism and grave misconduct.
He was earlier suspended for six months for failure to pay the salaries of four city hall employees.
“It is an honor to now serve in a permanent capacity. Just as I have demonstrated as acting mayor for the last five months, I promise to serve with honor, integrity, and dedication,” Garcia said after he was sworn in.
He was accompanied by his parents, former Mayor Alvin and Ninette, and his wife Kate and daughter Lexie during his induction.
Garcia plans to stay at the vice mayor's office for now despite ascending to the mayor’s post on a permanent basis.
“It’s business as usual,” he said as he emphasized that the official title of mayor does not change the duties that he have been discharging as acting mayor. “After this, I will return to my duties, continue working on the city’s priorities and being at the service of our citizens.”
Garcia identified healthcare, housing, and signing the 2025 budget as his immediate priorities.
On Tuesday, Garcia filed his Certificate of Candidacy for mayor before the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Cebu City, along with running mate Joey Daluz and a 16-member slate for councilor belonging to the Kusug-Panaghiusa coalition.
According to the 47-year-old Garcia, who is the youngest among the candidates in the mayoral race, the acting mayor position has “strengthened his character and love for the city and has fully prepared him for the mayor’s position.”
“One of the most significant takeaways from that experience is that taking action swiftly can make a huge difference in the lives of citizens,” he said, adding that he is committed to live up to the reputation of action mayor that he has earned during his term as acting mayor.