Rama backs ordinance that bans Capitol from developing its city lots

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama yesterday placed on record that he is supporting the controversial proposed ordinance, which would bar the province from developing its properties in some barangays in the city’s north district.

The ordinance was passed to create the North Development Zone that would declare some areas in some barangays solely for socialized housing use.

In yesterday’s session of the City Council, Rama said he wants the ordinance to be approved immediately, albeit saying, “I want the body to treat this ordinance carefully and expeditiously.”

Rama’s statement came just a few days after Mayor Tomas Osmeña decided to give him another chance following a last-ditch effort to patch up their differences.

The areas to be covered by the North Development Zone include Apas, Lahug, Banilad, Busay, Kasambagan and Talamban.

Councilors Gerardo Carillo, Hilario Davide III, and Richard Osmeña, the proponents of the ordinance, contend that further development in these areas would exacerbate traffic and at the same time prejudice commercial developments in the barangays beyond Talamban “where progressive expansion are being planned or are already undertaken.”

The first proposed ordinance that introduced the concept was passed in 2007 and sought to incorporate a new land classification and socialized housing zone. It was authored by Carillo, Davide, Osmeña and Councilor Augustus Pe.

After amendment, the proposed ordinance now mandates that the areas covered – whether owned by the national government, province, or city – shall only be used for purposes of socialized housing.

“The City of Cebu formally declares that the development framework in the North Development Zone is completed and adequate and no further major commercial development shall be undertaken in order not to prejudice land use development in other parts of the city particularly the barangays beyond Talamban,” the proposed ordinance reads.

The proposed ordinance was referred to the City Council committee on laws, which will release its report next week. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO  (THE FREEMAN)