Cebu City Mayor Addresses Election Protest Filed by Rama
CEBU CITY – The recent election protest filed by Michael Rama against the mayoral race results has been met with a straightforward response from Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival. Archival urged Rama to accept the outcome and move forward, dismissing the claims as unfounded.
Archival, who secured the mayoral seat with 256,197 votes, expressed skepticism about the allegations. “Basically, it’s all imagination actually. It’s just an imagination by Mike,” he told local reporters. The incumbent Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia placed second, while Rama came in third.
Claims of Defective Election Machines Challenged
Rama’s protest focuses on alleged defects in the automated counting machines (ACMs) used during the May 12 elections. He highlighted numerous complaints regarding the machines’ performance and insisted on opening them to verify the actual results. “There were a lot of complaints that the machines were defective. We need to open the machines and look at the real results,” Rama said during a recent press briefing.
He further emphasized the need for scrutiny, stating, “If the numbers don’t add up, if the trends defy reason, we must scrutinize.”
Archival questioned why Rama targeted the ACMs specifically and suggested that instead of contesting the results, Rama should prepare for the next election cycle. “My appeal to the mayor (Rama), just fight in the next election so this will stop,” Archival said confidently, assuring that the election protest would not delay his assumption of office.
Local Officials Reflect on Election Dispute
Meanwhile, Garcia expressed no surprise at Rama’s decision to file an election protest, noting that Rama has yet to concede defeat. Although Garcia has not received a formal copy of the protest, he respects Rama’s right to pursue legal remedies. “He’s entitled to the remedies allowed by law. If there were really any irregularities involved in the elections, then your remedy is an election protest,” Garcia said.
He also pointed out the lengthy nature of such legal battles. “But we all know that it will take forever…Let’s just focus on improving and building Cebu City rather than wasting our effort and time on the election protest,” he added.
The mayoral race controversy highlights the tensions often accompanying local elections, but the city’s incoming leadership continues to emphasize progress and unity.
For more news and updates on Cebu City election protest, visit Filipinokami.com.