3 weeks ago
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CEBU CITY —The Cebu City government is considering filing carnapping charges against dismissed Mayor Michael Rama for his continued refusal to return a government-owned bulletproof van despite repeated demands for its return.
City hall officials said Rama failed to comply with a final demand letter issued on Feb. 19, ordering him to return a Toyota Hiace Super Grandia, a 14-seater vehicle owned by the city government. The letter warned that failure to do so could lead to civil and criminal charges, including possible carnapping.
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, in a separate press conference, stressed that government vehicles should not be in the hands of private individuals, particularly those who are no longer in office.
"It can be [carnapping] because it is in the possession of a private individual, and it is a government vehicle. If you are not the owner, then you are not authorized to use it, and that can be tantamount to carnapping," Garcia said.
The mayor explained that the demand for Rama to return the vehicle is part of an inventory of government assets initiated in October 2024, which revealed that two vehicles assigned to the former mayor had not been returned.
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The other one, a Toyota Yaris Cross, was eventually turned over, while the bulletproof van remains in Rama's possession.
Confrontation at the city hall
Instead of complying with the demand, Rama stormed into the Cebu City Legal Office (CLO) on Friday and confronted city legal officer Santiago Ortiz Jr. over the letter.
Rama, who was dismissed from office over a nepotism case, claimed that the order was an insult to him as an elected official and insisted that his term should end on June 30, 2025.
"Remember, from the very beginning, I have not done anything wrong... If I have done something wrong, why would I be here?" Rama told reporters before confronting Ortiz.
During the tense exchange at the CLO, Rama pressed Ortiz on who authorized the letter. The city lawyer responded that the directive came from the mayor and was issued on behalf of the Cebu City government.
Ortiz advised Rama to submit a formal response to the letter, but the former mayor refused.
"I don't have to answer. My presence here is because I am asserting that I am the mayor," Rama insisted.
Ortiz maintained that legal action would proceed if Rama refuses to return the vehicle, emphasizing that city hall lawyers were merely fulfilling their duties.
Bakery press conference
Earlier that day, Rama held a press conference at La Fortuna Bakery near the city hall. When asked about the demand letter, he abruptly ended the briefing and led reporters on a march to the city hall, where he proceeded directly to the CLO.
After his confrontation with Ortiz, Rama toured the Legislative Building, expressing disappointment that his photos are not displayed.
"I'm still alive," he lamented.
In a follow-up press conference, Rama questioned why he was being asked to return the vehicle.
"My vehicle, my official vehicle?" he said, adding that he would consult his lawyers on the matter.
City hall stands firm
Garcia reiterated that the city government is firm in reclaiming the van, emphasizing that legal procedures must be followed.
"The City Legal Office is just doing its job to protect the interests of the Cebu City Government," Garcia said.
He added that the CLO will determine the appropriate charges against Rama, which could include both civil and criminal cases.
As of 7:20 p.m. on Feb. 21, the Office of the Mayor confirmed that the bulletproof vehicle has not been returned.
