'Melancholic' Rama visits Cebu City Hall

CEBU, Philippines — Former Cebu City mayor Michael Rama was at the City Hall yesterday for a courtesy visit to Acting Mayor Donaldo "Dondon" Hontiveros.

Without his consistent declaration of mayorship, Rama said his visit to the City Hall yesterday was “melancholic” as he bid farewell to a post he was once elected into, but he hinted at a political comeback in 2028.

Unlike his previous visits, Rama was at the City Hall to pay Hontiveros a courtesy call, as they looked back on their respective terms that are soon “ending.”

Hontiveros is currently serving as acting mayor following the leave of absence of Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

The courtesy call was held inside the mayor’s office at the Legislative Building, which has been locked since Rama’s suspension and subsequent dismissal from office last October 2024. The same office still has a picture of Rama hanging on the wall.

During the meeting, Rama insisted that despite the challenges in his political career, his term as the elected mayor of Cebu City will also end on June 30, 2025.

“I have longed to report back into my office as your duly elected mayor in the city of Cebu, if not for these extraordinary challenges that prevented me from entering my office,” said Rama.

Rama said he attributed the reopening of the mayor’s office to Hontiveros’ serving as acting mayor, adding that it also allowed him a chance to visit the area before his term “ends.”

Rama thanked Hontiveros for standing with him amid his political and legal battles.

When asked if his presence might be misunderstood by his opponents, Rama said there was no reason for it, adding that he was also there to retrieve the remaining belongings he had left in the office.

While Rama’s series of visits to Cebu City Hall were previously marred by issues surrounding his preventive suspension, he stated that this particular visit was filled with “melancholy.”

“But at the same time emotional because I entered an office but wa naman nuon ang mga private nako nga mga butang for 33 years,” said Rama.

He added, however, that prior to his visit, his belongings had already been retrieved and removed from the office.

Hontiveros, who ran as Rama's running mate in the May 12 midterm polls, said despite failing to win in the election, he will continue to meet with Rama, along with their party mates, as they must decide on the future of their party, Partido Barug – Team Rama.

Rama had filed an election protest, seeking a manual recount of the votes after refusing to concede to Mayor-elect Nestor Archival’s victory. Rama said that his protest will continue to be handled by his lawyer.

Looking ahead to the next three years, Rama said he is planning to support Vice President Sara Duterte, should she pursue a bid for the presidency in 2028. He would like to be the opposition leader in regions 6, 7, and 8, an alignment he previously declared.

Rama also hinted of a political comeback in 2028.

“Hopefully we both come back,” said Rama, referring to Hontiveros.

Rama said he would continue advocating for electoral reforms, adding that he would support a “hybrid election” system that would include automation and transmission, while votes are counted manually.

As earlier reported, Rama’s visits to City Hall after his dismissal have involved various incidents.

Last February, Rama had a confrontation with Cebu City Legal Officer Santiago Ortiz Jr., after the corner mayor received a demand letter requesting the return of a government-owned bulletproof vehicle.

This was followed by a press conference he held to address the issues he was facing at a nearby bakery close to City Hall. However, when asked about the demand letter concerning the return of the Toyota Hi-Ace Super Grandia, Rama stood up and marched to City Hall.

His prior visits to City Hall were also marked by his vehicle being clamped and his placement behind the “City Mayor” tag alongside Garcia during a flag-raising ceremony.

It can also be recalled that his supporters rallied in front of the Cebu City Hall, protesting what they considered Rama's unfair removal from office. — /JG (FREEMAN)