Rama’s Vacation Cut Short, Withdraws Acting Mayor’s Functions

One week after he availed a 22-days leave of absence as mayor of Cebu City for him to have a vacation abroad, Mayor Michael Rama reported back to work Monday just to withdraw the function given to Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young as acting mayor.

Rama admitted that he was not happy upon learning that Young, in his capacity as acting mayor, had issued orders stopping the clearing operation at the burnt area of Sitio Bato in Barangay Ermita and also suspending the demolition of a stage in Barangay Apas.

The mayor wanted that the clearing operation conducted by the City Hall personnel at Sitio Bato will be completed so that the technical personnel can start reblocking the area and the affected families can also start construction of their houses.

Aside from stopping the clearing operation at Sitio Bato in Ermita, Young also issued a cease and desist order on the demolition of a stage in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Apas, which is constructed by the residents within a province-owned lot.

Rama said what the vice mayor did was contrary to his policies and he should not disturb it even if he is the acting mayor during his absence.

Hours after he assumed office Monday morning, Rama immediately issued memorandum order designating City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete as the city’s officer in charge effective Tuesday until Thursday.

In his order, the mayor authorized Poblete to sign all pertinent documents on his behalf and to perform such other functions as may be necessary, subject to the provisions set forth in the Local Government Code.

Meanwhile, Young did not make a harsh reaction on Rama’s move designating the city administrator as officer-in-charge while the mayor will be in Manila. The law provides that even without any orders, it is automatic for the vice mayor to assume as acting mayor while the mayor is out of his territorial jurisdiction.

But Rama argued that he is just here in the country and anytime he can give orders to Poblete if there is a need for a policy direction.