Cuenco backs demolition of "useless" skywalks, but suggests asking the tanods first to implement rules

CEBU, Philippines - Former south district congressman Antonio Cuenco expressed support to the plan of his ally, Cebu City Mayor Mayor Michael Rama, to demolish some skywalks in the city that are found to have no use.

But Cuenco is proposing to try training the tanods first about implementing the rules and asking the pedestrians to use the structure, as these were built for a purpose and demolishing them would be a waste of government money.

At least four skywalks in Cebu City south district had been constructed during Cuenco’s term as congressman using his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

“Wa ko’y objection kung kuhaon na kung wa na kinahanglana,” Cuenco told The FREEMAN. (If they find that these structures have no use, I will not object to the demolition.)

Cuenco emphasized that these skywalks were built upon the request of barangay officials concerned to provide safety to pedestrians in their areas.

The government spent around P4 million to construct each skywalk. Cuenco said that these skywalks would have served its purpose if only there was enforcement of rules.

“It’s a matter of discipline, it’s a matter of enforcement, maayo ang katuyoan ana pero wa i-implementar sa mga maayong paagi,” he said. (They were built for a purpose but these were not put to good use.)

Instead of demolishing the structure, Cuenco has counter-proposal and this will be for barangay officials to train their ta-nods to guide pedestrians to use the skywalks.

There is also a need to educate pedestrians on their safety if they use the skywalk in crossing from one side of the highway to the other, said Cuenco.

“Anugon ang kwarta nga gigahin, magsilbi man na kung ayuhon pag-manage, it’s a question of management,” Cuenco added. (Demolishing them would be a waste of public funds.)

 Rama got the idea from Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy who at the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza last Tuesday said that he is perhaps the only mayor in Cebu who have demolished skywalk in his town.

One of the skywalks which Rama found to have no use is the one near Cebu City Medical Center which is part of the city’s north district of Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar.

 Skywalks in the north district were built during the time of del Mar’s father, former congressman Raul del Mar.

Raul challenged Rama to pursue his plan as he disagreed with the mayor’s observation that these skywalks have no use. He said that skywalks, mostly built in front of schools, provide safety of schoolchildren in crossing the road.

Raul asked why Rama is complaining only now. — (FREEMAN)