Rama wants formal change of LCP leadership

CARCAR CITY — Suspended Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has chosen not to pursue legal action over his removal as national executive chairman of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), and has instead expressed support for the new interim leadership.

The stance marked a change from his July 19 stance, when he questioned the legality of the LCP National Executive Board (NEB) decision. In a Zoom conference on Saturday, Rama said he now accepts the board’s decision and called for a formal handover of responsibilities through a general assembly.

Rama, elected as LCP President in 2022, wants to present his achievements and the current status of the league to his members.

He was replaced by LCP National Executive Vice President and Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy” Belmonte-Alimurung pursuant to LCP National Executive Board Resolution No. 2024-06.

The board has declared Rama “absent” due to his suspension, which began in May and is scheduled to end in November.

He and seven other officials have been suspended for six months by the Office of the Ombudsman since May 8 following a complaint by city hall employees who say they have not been paid for 10 months and have been transferred to offices other than the Office of the Ombudsman.

Rama expressed that he has nothing against his dedicated and reliable executive vice president leading the league. He described Belmonte as a team player and an inspiring leader for Quezon City, adding that he hopes and prays that the league will continue to execute its strategic plan.

He stated that taking legal action will only lead to conflicts and problems between members, which will not benefit the league. He emphasized that the main goal of the league is to solve various problems and support the development of cities across the country.

The official said he was elected national president of LCP by 149 cities nationwide in 2022. After two years as president, he remains committed to the mission of LCP as an independent body focused on the prosperity and development of cities and the country.

Rama stressed the importance of unity and called for a formal handover ceremony to ensure a smooth transition of power during this transitional period.

“In the spirit of camaraderie, I hope and expect that a formal and official handover ceremony will take place in the meantime,” he said.

LCP, which was established in 1988 under the Local Government Code of 1991, unites and advocates for the country’s cities. It focuses on improving urban governance, promoting sustainable development and improving public services.