Rama: PNoy can stop twin flyovers

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said President Benigno Simeon Aquino III can do a lot to stop the construction of the flyover projects in Cebu City if he wants to, even if there is a law that provides that only the Supreme Court can stop ongoing infrastructure projects.

According to Rama, the construction of the two flyover projects to be constructed at M.J. Cuenco corner General Maxilom Avenues in barangay Carreta and at the intersection of Gorordo and Archbishop Reyes Avenues in barangay Camputhaw would not push through without the necessary funding.

The mayor said if President Aquino wants to stop the projects, he can issue orders to suspend the release of the P600-million budget for the two flyovers.

Rama yesterday blew up after he learned that Department of Public Welfare and Development (DPWH)-7 Legal Officer Agustino Hermoso announced that only the Supreme Court can stop the planned construction of the flyovers.

“Mora na g’yud sila’g mao na’y Ginoo kon mosulti (They speak like they are God),” Rama reacted in his press conference.

He tried to convince DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson to suspend the projects temporarily while waiting for President Aquino’s action on his request.

“Ang angay nila nga timbang-timbangon kon hain ang ilang palabihon ang politikal ba o ang teknikal (They should weigh things and decide which should prevail – politics or technical),” Rama said.

But it is not only Rama who has brought the issue to the attention of the president. Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña and North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar also asked the President to pursue the flyover construction.

Rama had suggested that the stretch of road along the place where the flyovers shall be constructed must be widened first to avoid traffic congestion. But Del Mar said of the P600 million, P300 million is intended for road widening while only P300 million is for the flyovers.

The nuns of the Asilo dela Medalla Milagrosa along Gorordo Avenue, who will be affected by the construction of a flyover project in front of their Church, are planning to hold dawn masses starting next month, hoping to stop the project.

Rama said that if he will be invited to attend the dawn mass, he is willing to go. “Dili lang usab ko moadto kon dili ko nila imbitahon (I won’t go without an invitation).” — (FREEMAN)