CEBU CITY — Dismissed Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama declared that only death could stop him from running for mayor in the 2025 midterm elections.
Rama, who was dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman, remains determined to pursue his candidacy, undeterred by the legal challenges he faces.
"No one can stop me from running for mayor of Cebu City ... only death... kamatayon (death)," uttered Rama on Thursday, October 10, during a meeting with local members of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP).
The Ombudsman found Rama guilty of nepotism and grave misconduct, permanently disqualifying him from holding any government post.
Although the decision casts uncertainty on his reelection bid, Rama has remained resolute and has vowed to challenge the ruling and continue his campaign.
The Commission on Elections previously clarified that Ombudsman rulings affecting candidates for the May 2025 elections are immediately enforceable, although these decisions can still be appealed.
"I will face them ... Kana sila, wala na sila mutuo og milagro (They don't believe in miracles) ... Bahala na sila, mga y*wa (I don't care what they do, they are devils)," Rama said, referring to his detractors.
On October 9, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia took the oath to officially assume the role of Cebu City mayor, having already served as acting mayor since May when Rama was placed under preventive suspension allegedly for failing to pay four regular City Hall employees for 10 months.
Despite Garcia's official appointment, Rama asserted in a recent interview that he still plans to return to his position.
"I never said I am not coming back. I am coming back," Rama declared, reaffirming his intention to reclaim his post as Cebu City mayor.
Garcia, now the full-fledged mayor, announced on Thursday that he will discontinue the "Singapore-like" vision championed by Rama's administration.
However, Garcia intends to maintain key initiatives, including the "Gubat sa Baha" (War on Floods) and housing projects. He advised Rama to accept the situation, stating that his oath as mayor has cemented his position for the coming months.
Meanwhile, at an event in Casino Español in Cebu City, Rama reiterated his commitment to running in 2025. Speaking before candidates from across Cebu province, who gathered under the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino alliance, Rama of Team Liberate Cebu stressed that only death can stop him from seeking the mayoral post.
Rama expressed his desire to combat corruption and address poverty.
"Tuga-tuga mo'g sulod sa panerbisyo, nya wa moy Ginoo? Pahawa kay yawa (You enter public service without faith in God? Get out, you devil)," though he did not specify whom he was referring to.
As the PDP's national vice president for the Visayas, Rama acknowledged that many had left the party but praised the dedication of those who remained.