Rama returns ordinance to Council unsigned

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama did not approve the ordinance that was passed by the Cebu City Council renaming Acacia St. in Barangay Camputhaw to Manuel Oyson Jr. St.

Rama returned to the City Council the copy of the ordinance without his signature.

He urged the city’s legislators to take action on the petition of some residents of Acacia St.

Some 20 residents of Acacia St. earlier signed a petition asking the City Council to repeal the ordinance that it acted days before the Cebu Press Freedom Week celebration.

According to the petitioners, they were not consulted when the City Council renamed their road in honor of Oyson.

Aside from being a former assistant regional director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), Oyson also used to be a veteran sports columnist before he died a few years ago.

The Cebu City Council passed the ordinance renaming Acacia St. after the deceased sports columnist while members of Cebu media celebrated the 16th Cebu Press Freedom Week.

During their session last Friday, the City Council decided to refer the matter to the Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (CHAC) for further comment.

The petitioners will be also given their time air their sentiments to personally, said committee on laws chairman Councilor Edgardo Labella.

Labella also assured the media leaders in Cebu that the City Council will attend to their request.

Councilor Sisinio Andales also said it is possible for the Council to look for other streets to name after Oyson.

“Malagmit mangita lang mi og laing karsada para kang Atty. Oyson nga taga Sambag II dili na lang sa Acacia Street kay taga Sambag II man sab to si Oyson,” said Andales.

Oyson had worked as sports reporter for the defunct Morning Times, Daily News and Republic Daily in the 1950s before he joined Sun Star Daily. He also wrote stories for the Philippines News Agency. (FREEMAN)