Delute: Rama Violated DILG Circular, RA 7160

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama will be facing charges before the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in the main office in Manila for allegedly allowing the prohibited display of his name in several basketball boards purchased by the city and distributed to different barangays.

Lawyer Reymelio “Dodong” Delute of Barangay Basak-San Nicolas said the mayor violates the memorandum circular issued by the then DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

In that memorandum circular issued on March 12, 2012, the DILG prohibits the display of photos and names of local government officials in posters or streamers of their initiated projects.

Delute said his complaint is in connection “with the affixture of the mayor’s office logo and name as well as his motto – Together We Can Make Things a Difference” written in the basketball boards.

Delute added the actuation of the mayor clearly violates several memorandum circulars issued by the DILG and even Section 130 (b2) of the Local Government Code and Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Delute, a lawyer, argued that the Supreme Court has already ruled that the DILG has the power to supervise the local government units.

“Worried though I may be of the might of the powers that confront me, I had taken on this challenge with a strong faith and belief in this dignified body’s demonstrated zeal and fealty in ensuring that subordinate officers perform their duties in accordance with law,” Delute said, in his letter-complaint to be filed on Friday before the office of DILG Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas.

Rama, for his part, said he was not disturb of the threat to file charges against him because he believe that he never committed violations of the law.

“Naglibog g’yud ko,” the mayor said. Delute is challenging the reelection bid of the mayor’s cousin – Basak San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama.