Rama is backing Pam's administration role.
Fresh Take:
Michael Rama, the former mayor of Cebu City, squashed rumors about becoming a formal consultant for governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro. But don't worry, he's still ready to lend a helping hand from the sidelines, offering unsolicited advice and backing her upcoming term.
During a drop-in at the Mayor's Office on June 11, 2025, Rama made it clear that no official consultancy pact exists. He emphasized his political bond with Baricuatro as the reason for their ongoing collaboration.
His visit to the Mayor's Office, the third since his removal from office, was primarily a meet-up with Acting Mayor Donaldo "Dondon" Hontiveros. Accompanied by his wife, Malou, and his former city administrator Collin Rosell, Rama requested access to the office he once ran.
"I'm gratefully allowed in," Rama remarked, expressing his gratitude for being granted entrance. The moment was both heartwrenching and significant, as he examined the emptiness of his former workspace, now devoid of his belongings, which have been tucked away at the Rama compound.
Rama assured that he'd return any government-owned items in his possession, recounting the prior return of a city-issued vehicle before his term expired.
Hontiveros welcomed Rama with open arms, expressing his delight at their reunion. "I'm always happy to see him because I truly like him. He's my 'adopted son'," Hontiveros shared in Cebuano.
Rama's visit and clarification about his role in Baricuatro's administration came amidst a whirlwind of political transition and realignment in Cebu following the midterm elections.
On December 2, 2024, Rama paid a visit to City Hall, joining Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia for the flag-raising ceremony. Afterwards, he headed for the Mayor's Office, only to find it locked.
Later, on February 21, 2025, Rama returned his government-issued van to City Hall.
[1] Cebu Daily News. (2025, June 12). Rama clarifies: No formal consultancy with Baricuatro's admin. Retrieved from https://www.cebudailynews.inquirer.net/338798/rama-clarifies-no-formal-consultancy-with-baricuatro-s-admin[2] SunStar Cebu. (2025, June 12). Michael Rama clarifies: No formal consultancy role for Baricuatro's admin. Retrieved from https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1954646/cebu-news/michael-rama-clarifies-no-formal-consultancy-role-baricuatro-s-admin-1954646
- The unsolicited advice given by Michael Rama, former mayor of Cebu City, to governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro could potentially influence the policy-and-legislation decisions of the new government.
- The recent visit of Michael Rama, a key figure in Cebu politics, to the Mayor's Office indicates a continuation of his involvement in local general-news matters, despite not holding an official role in the Baricuatro administration.
- The Cebu elections have paved the way for a new government, but the political relationship between Michael Rama and Acting Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros suggests that Rama's presence and influence in Cebu's policy-and-legislation landscape may remain significant.
