CEBU CITY – In a significant political development, Raymond Alvin Garcia has officially taken office as the full-fledged mayor of Cebu City. This follows his brief tenure as acting mayor and the dismissal of the previous mayor, Michael Rama.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia was installed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Director Leocadio Trovela on Wednesday. The ceremony marked a new chapter for the city, particularly in addressing longstanding healthcare challenges. In his inaugural address, Garcia committed to completing the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), aiming to enhance the city’s healthcare services within a year. He emphasized the urgency of revitalizing the hospital, which has suffered from delays and underfunding over the past decade.
Garcia’s assumption to office came after the suspension and subsequent dismissal of former Mayor Michael Rama. The Office of the Ombudsman issued a permanent disqualification against Rama following allegations of nepotism. Garcia, who had been serving as acting mayor since May, expressed his dedication to overseeing the completion of the CCMC beyond the May 2025 mid-term elections.
Furthermore, Garcia outlined his plan for incremental improvements at the CCMC, proposing that newly completed sections of the hospital be opened promptly to facilitate expanded services. He also called for enhanced cooperation among city government employees to implement necessary changes at the Cebu City Hall.
DILG Regional Director Trovela affirmed that ongoing legal challenges from Rama’s camp would not obstruct Garcia’s governance.