Withdrawal of RDC support for flyover projects mulled

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama might move to withdraw the past endorsements of the Regional Development Council Central Visayas (RDC-7) on the two flyovers of North District Representative Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar.

Rama said he will do it if necessary, although he said it is unlikely because the council may just adopt the findings of the Technical Working Group. The TWG, in its report, said the flyover projects did not have a feasibility study and lack public consultation. 

The mayor said that it is the body who agreed on the creation of the TWG so it is safe to assume that the council will adopt the findings of the group it created for the specific purpose of checking the need for the two flyovers in the areas where they are proposed to be built.

Rama, who chairs the RDC-7, may speak about an issue though he is the Presiding Officer under the Robert’s Rule.

As the presiding officer normally, the Chairman has to be impartial but as a member of the council, he may be given the privilege to make a motion or stand.

Under Robert’s Rule, if the presiding officer wishes to speak to an issue, he must relinquish the chair to another officer in rank who has not spoken and does not wish to speak.

Rama said no one can stop the RDC from withdrawing its previous endorsement because he is sure that the previous endorsements were just carried over from the previous councils without discussing thoroughly the matter.

The TWG last week reported their study on the proposed flyovers where they cited 10 observations that cast doubt on the need to have these flyovers and the intention of building these flyovers.

Among the findings of the TWG are the lack of feasibility studies, lack of public consultation and lack of proper coordination among government agencies which include the City Government whose traffic body opposed the construction of the flyovers.

The TWG also included in their observation that while the flyovers are funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways, they are identified with the sponsor congressmen instead of as a traffic remedy.

The TWG also said that the simple traffic count is a minimal analysis of the problem and the DPWH must have also considered intersection analysis, travel time and delay surveys and queuing analysis.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio has put on hold the implementation of the two flyovers.

The RDC-7 has also not decided whether to put a moratorium on the projects or continue endorse it. They are set to resume their meeting and discussion about the flyovers on November 22. – (FREEMAN)