Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. (File photo)
CEBU CITY – Mayor Michael Rama on Tuesday assured political groups planning to hold partisan events here that the city government will be fair in assessing and approving permit applications.
Rama said his office would always ensure that politics is not a consideration in processing applications for permits for campaign rallies in the city.
The mayor issued the statement after the city turned down the application of a group of supporters of presidential aspirant, Vice President Leni Robredo, to use the Plaza Independencia as an event venue on April 9.
He said he once turned down a request from the camp of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM) and running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte to hold their Cebu grand rally at the Plaza Independencia near the city port area that would have been more accessible to their supporters.
He said his policy is that political rallies are not allowed at the Plaza Independencia.
The clarification came following accusations of some event organizers from Robredo's camp that their application for a permit for the PinkHimamat Fun Walk that was supposed to be on April 9 that the same walk route was used by supporters of the UniTeam.
On Thursday, supporters of Robredo and her vice presidential bet Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan will hold a grand rally in Mandaue City.
Ricky Ballesteros, a member of the People’s Council for Leni, said they expect over 200,000 people to participate in the event they dubbed “Ceboom” at the Mandaue Reclamation Area.
Meanwhile, UniTeam Cebu director and former city councilor Erik Miguel Espina called on those who attended a BBM-Sara rally here on Monday night to reflect their support on the outcome of voting on May 9.
“The BBM-Sara Uniteam-Tingog party-list rally was planned in breakneck enthusiasm, with the projection of showing to the entire Philippines, the newfound voice and strength for Cebuanos. This was meant to out-do recent political rallies in which the number of enthused attendees turned into a Sinulog-like festivity. This essays the spirited voice of support and victory for the destined tandem in the next six years,” Espina said.
With the overwhelming turnout in the event, Espina said it confirmed that Cebuano votes can be a turning point for the country’s future.
The rally was generally peaceful, according to Cebu City Police Office deputy director for operations, Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla. (PNA)
