Gwen finds Rama’s opposition “petty” | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has ignored suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s opposition to hold the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The governor finds Rama’s comment so trivial to merit a reaction from her.

“I only comment on worthwhile issues,” Garcia told The Freeman.

The lady governor added that she does not “dignify pettiness”.

In a press conference Monday, Rama expressed opposition in the holding of the Capitol-organized festival at the CCSC on August 25, 2024.

The suspended mayor believes that it does not make sense to hold the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo in a facility owned by the city government and is still up for renovation.

“Ayuhunon paman gani. Furthermore, nganong diha man gyud? Please, please, please wala na gyuy laing lugar? Pasigarbo man na (Cebu Province)...This is Cebu City,” Rama said earlier.

He suggested holding the event at the South Road Properties (SRP) instead or better yet for the provincial government to repair the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC).

“Asa man atong sentido kumon ani? Pasigarbo sa Probinsya man na. Dili man na Pasigarbo sa dakbayan sa Sugbo,” Rama stressed.

He also reminded acting Mayor Raymond Garcia that the city is autonomous from the province and should not allow himself to be dictated by his aunt.

Governor Garcia and Rama have been in feud since the former issued an executive order stopping the construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) station in the Capitol-owned lots on Osmeña Boulevard.

The governor said the BRT station would alter the view of the Capitol Building, a historical landmark protected by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. The provincial government contended that the project should be cleared with the NHCP.

The issue resulted in Rama’s filing of an administrative case against the governor before the Office of the President. Rama also accused the lady governor of meddling the affairs of the city government by supporting the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) on some issues involving property ownership in the port area.

Despite Rama’s vehement opposition, however, the acting mayor is permitting the use of the CCSC for the Pasigarbo sa