Rama blasts intent, timing of dismissal

Former Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama expressed frustration over recent rulings by the Office of the Ombudsman, which dismissed him in connection with a multimillion peso garbage deal he approved in 2021 during a declared State of Emergency.

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Speaking at a news forum on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Rama criticized the Ombudsman’s decisions on cases filed against him and those he initiated. He suggested that the Ombudsman should be referred to as the “Ombudswoman.

“Morag dili man mugawas ang kasing-kasing,” said Rama when asked what he meant by this remark.

Rama highlighted that while decisions on cases against him have been issued in recent weeks, a “solid” plunder case he filed three years ago remains unresolved.

He noted that these complaints were submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7, which then forwarded them to the Ombudsman.

Expressing his frustration, Rama questioned the intent behind the rulings. “[Do] they really want to cut my neck? Are they after my neck?... they should have killed me,” lamented Rama.

“Is this going to be how things are now? I haven’t done anything wrong. God is my witness,” he added.

Approximately ten months ago, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed Rama and imposed a perpetual disqualification from holding public office.

Despite these challenges, Rama remains resolute in his political ambitions.

“Only death can stop me from running, and I fear no one except God,” he said sharing that as the 45-day campaign period commenced, Rama and his party, Partido Barug - Team Rama, have been actively visiting barangays across the city.