Cebu City, Philippines – Raymond Alvin Garcia, designated as the acting mayor of Cebu City by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) effective May 11, announced a concentrated effort on the upcoming Palarong Pambansa. The national sports event for elementary and secondary students, scheduled for July 6 to 17, is expected to draw over 12,000 participants including athletes, coaches, trainers, and school officials.
According to Philippines News Agency, his immediate focus will be to oversee the preparations for the Palarong Pambansa, ensuring that the event is organized efficiently. His commitment comes in the wake of the suspension of Mayor Michael Rama, who was placed under a six-month preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman due to allegations of withholding salaries of four city hall employees for ten months.
During a press conference at the Cebu City Hall Legislative Building, Garcia emphasized his dedication to the successful execution of the games and hinted at possible adjustments in the planning stages. Additionally, Col. Ireneo Dalogdog, chief of the Philippine National Police in the area, confirmed the readiness of the police force to ensure a peaceful and orderly Palarong Pambansa, noting that the number of officers deployed will triple compared to those assigned during the recent Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association 2024 meet.
In a move to address past grievances, Garcia has instructed the new city administrator, lawyer Christine Batucan, to expedite the processing of the withheld salaries of the four affected employees, who reported being reassigned to different departments.