Rama, Davide to Leave for Japan to Speak on Disaster Risk Reduction in UN Confab

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is set to leave for Japan Thursday to speak on disaster risk reduction at the third United Nations World Conference.

Rama will be joined by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chief Baltazar Tribunalo Jr.

The five-day conference will start on March 14.

Rama’s travel was approved last week by Undersecretary Austere Oanadero of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Rama was also issued a clearance by the DILG that currently investigates the complaint filed by lawyer Reymelio Delute on the controversial P20,000 calamity assistance granted by the city government to its 5,000 officials and employees in December 2013.

Rama issued a memorandum designating Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella as acting mayor in his absence.

Labella is also authorized to “sign all pertinent documents and perform such other functions as may be necessary” subject to the provisions of the Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.

Labella said he will assume the duties and responsibilities of the city mayor even without an order. (PNA) CTB/EB