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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Rama refuses to return City Hall-owned vehicle, insists he's still Cebu City mayor

Rama refuses to return City Hall-owned vehicle, insists he's still Cebu City mayor

Published Feb 27, 2025 01:08 pm

CEBU CITY – Dismissed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama continues to insist he is still the city’s chief executive.

MICHAEL RAMA.jpg

RAMA

Considering himself as the rightful mayor, Rama refused to return a Cebu City Hall-owned vehicle despite repeated demands from the city government.

In a letter addressed to the City Legal Office, Rama argued that there is no official record proving that an order from Office of the Ombudsman removing him from office has been implemented.

Last September, the Ombudsman found Rama guilty of nepotism and ordered him dismissed. The anti-graft court has also dismissed Rama’s motion for reconsideration.

"We clarify that, to date, no record shows that the Decision of the Office of the Ombudsman has been implemented, contrary to the rules of the Office of the Ombudsman itself," Rama’s legal counsel Luis A. Vera Cruz Jr. wrote.

Vera Cruz cited a Nov. 6, 2024 letter from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that stated that it "is not privy to the implementation of the said decision."

Rama’s camp said in the absence of proof showing that the dismissal was properly served, he continues to be the mayor who must retain his privileges, including the use of the Toyota Hi-Ace Super Grandia that City Hall wants him to return.

Rama would only return the vehicle if there is legal documentation, Vera Cruz said.

Rama urged the city government to formally request all relevant records from the Ombudsman, including proof of service of the implementation order.

"Proper documentation is imperative and must be complied with for any demand or return of the subject vehicle," Vera Cruz said.

The City Hall has warned that charges may be filed against Rama if he fails to return the vehicle.

The city has reported the matter to the Highway Patrol Group-Central Visayas.

"Government vehicles should not be in the hands of private individuals, particularly those no longer in office,"  Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said.

"If you are not the owner, then you are not authorized to use it, and that can be tantamount to carnapping," Garcia added.

Garcia urged Rama to return the vehicle “so we can have peace moving forward.”

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Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama
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