Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU, April 23 (PIA) -- Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama told media to
help him address corruption at City Hall during a dialogue this afternoon with
reporters and news editors initiated by the Cebu Citizens Press Council (CCPC)
in its 38th quarterly meeting held at the Marcelo Fernan Press Center.
Rama urged media to give him names of City Hall personnel that are
involved in illegal practices so that action can immediately be made to address
the issue.
The issue surfaced after a newspaper reporter (name withheld)
asked him why some officials at City Hall continue to receive Representation
Allowance and Transportation Allowance (RATA) despite being issued an official
vehicle.
The reporter claimed that should not be the case because under the
law, officials issued official vehicles should not claim RATA.
“Can you give me the names” so we can immediately call their
attention, Rama told the reporter who replied that perhaps somebody in City
Hall could do the job and check and monitor the officials that have issued
vehicles and still claiming RATA.
Rama ordered the chief of the Public Information Office and his
protocol officer Jojo Labella to take down all the issues and concerns raised
by reporters and editors.
“Corruption is not my cup of tea. But public service is my life,”
stressed Rama.
Rama on the other hand, asked reporters covering City Hall not
just to highlight the lapses of his administration but also report the good
deeds under his term.
The mayor said he is okay with criticisms as it comes with the
territory but that “I always make a stand when the criticisms are laced with
lies.”
Rama told reporters and news editors that he is accessible 24/7
and asked for their understanding when he gets mad at some reporters for
twisting some of his statements.
CCPC Executive Director Atty. Pachico Seares told Rama to also
call the attention of the individual news organization of he feels that its
report is not accurate.
“You will be helping the individual news organization” if you
could also inform them of any mistakes you feel that should be corrected, said
Seares. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7)