Mike denies coercing habal-habal drivers

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama denied reports that his political camp harassed and coerced motorcycle-for-hire drivers to force them to attend a meeting with his staff. “I will win this election without having to resort to intimidation, coercion. I will be conquering the hearts of the people by showing to them my achievements so they will support my reelection bid,” Rama said. Rama’s political opponent, Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña, earlier said he received text messages from his supporters informing him that habal-habal drivers in Barangay Lahug were instructed to attend a meeting with Team Rama’s campaign staff. Osmeña said since there were only eight drivers who showed up last Saturday, the meeting was postponed and the drivers were told that if they will not attend in the next meeting, they will be apprehended. Osmeña also received reports that Rama’s campaign staff told the habal-habal drivers that they will be apprehended if they will be caught wearing T-shirts printed with names of Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan (BOPK) candidates. But Rama strongly denied the accusation. “Kinsa may nag-ingon nga ipadakup nako ang mga habal-habal drivers? Ayaw lagi na sila papatakaa’g sulti,” Rama said. While Osmeña continues to claim that he is consistently leading against Rama in surveys, the reelectionist mayor said he will not give so much weight on survey results. “Kanang survey, dili g’yud maoy tinuod. Gigamit lang na nga basihanan,” Rama told the reporters.