2 weeks ago
5
CEBU CITY — The city's 88th Charter Day anniversary on Feb. 24, 2025, was marked by two separate celebrations, underscoring the ongoing political rivalry between dismissed mayor Michael Rama and sitting mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.
Both events took place at Plaza Sugbu, just outside City Hall, each reflecting the competing allegiances in Cebu City's political landscape.
Rama, who is running for reelection, led his slate of candidates in an early morning gathering, beginning with a 5 a.m. mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral.
After the mass, he proceeded to a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument of his grandfather, Don Vicente Rama, the principal author of Commonwealth Act 58, which granted Cebu City its chartered status.
Later that morning, at 7 a.m., the Cebu City government hosted its official Charter Day celebration at the same location.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Garcia attended the event alongside Councilors Rey Gealon, Joel Garganera, Jocelyn Pesquera, North District Rep. Rachel "Cutie" Del Mar, and Vice Mayor Donaldo Hontiveros.
The officials honored Don Vicente Rama's contributions, recognizing his role in shaping Cebu City's development.
Hontiveros, despite his political ties to Rama, spoke about the essence of public service, emphasizing that it requires more than just competence and efficiency, it demands a sincere commitment to the well-being of the people.
In line with the Charter Day celebration, the Cebu City Council approved an increased bonus of P35,000 for each regular and casual City Hall employee, surpassing the P25,000 initially proposed by Garcia.
During a council session on Feb. 12, Councilor Noel Wenceslao questioned whether the council had the authority to approve a higher amount.
The approved bonus will benefit 1,300 regular employees and 2,900 casual workers, while job order personnel will receive P5,000 each.
Earlier, Garcia had requested an additional P635 million in funding from the council, allocating P150 million for Charter Day bonuses.
The budget also included allocations for road asphalting, continued expansion of the Cebu City Medical Center, City Hall's operating expenses, and livelihood programs.
Cebu City's Charter Day is observed as a special nonworking holiday, commemorating its official recognition as a chartered city on Feb. 24, 1937.
