By Junex Doronio
CEBU CITY — In what appears to be a test of political will, Mayor Mike Rama has stood pat in his decision to hold the traditional Catholic festival Sinulog Ritual Showdown in 2024 Sinulog Competition and the Sinulog Grand Parade in 2024 at the South Road Properties (SRP) and not at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) as proposed by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn ‘Gwen” Garcia.
On Tuesday, December 12, Rama reiterated his strong preference for SRP as the venue for the traditional Catholic event that originated in Cebu.
“As I would like to repeat, my stance has not changed. SRP, we had it last time [there], we should have it [there] again… In God we trust,” Rama said.
Last December 6, Garcia said she would support the Sinulog 2024 celebration if the activity would be held at the Abellana Sports Complex again, now known as CCSC.
“We will support it if it takes place in Abellana. We are all for it,” Garcia said.
During his online program “Ingna’ng Mayor”, Rama claimed that preparations for the Sinulog have been underway since August.
“Those who want to help, just help, help, and help without attaching any conditions, because if we offer help, we should offer it in faith to Señor Sto. Niño,” Rama said but stopped short in mentioning the feisty Cebu lady governor.
Local political observers told Maharlika NuMedia that Rama must have sensed that “Gov Gwen will run for mayor” in Cebu City while his younger brother former Cebu 3rd district Representative Pablo John “PJ” will run for governor in 2025.
Such a move is aimed at fortifying the hold of the Garcia political dynasty in the entire Cebu island province, the same sources said.
(ai/mnm)