Tom: Mike can't stop 2 flyovers

CEBU, Philippines - South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña said that Mayor Michael Rama cannot block the construction of two flyover projects in Cebu City using the Cebu City Development Council (CDC) to do so.

Osmeña said that even if the mayor was successful in convincing the CDC not to endorse the two flyover projects proposed for funding by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), he said that such endorsement may be waived as requirement.

No law

“There is no law requiring the endorsement of the CDC. It was merely an internal agreement with NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority),” Osmeña said calling Rama “ignorant.”

Osmeña said that the projects may still push through, which, he vowed to support because he believes that it will solve the traffic problem in the two junctions.

The projects were supposed to be located at the junctions of Juan Luna and M.J. Cuenco Avenues and Juan Luna and Cardinal Rosales Avenues.

The flyover proposed at the junction of Juan Luna and M.J Cuenco Ave. is estimated to cost P230 million while the other project will cost about P200 million.

The DPWH asked the endorsement of the CDC for various projects including the two flyovers.

Other projects were approved by the CDC except for the two flyovers. This was after Rama, who made sure to attend the CDC meeting, explained why he is against the flyovers.

Prior to the CDC consultative meeting though where the DPWH request was tackled, the RDC wanted the two flyovers scrapped because theses were allegedly inserted without an endorsement.

Earlier, the protests of the ‘anti-flyover’ groups were also able to suspend the implementation of two flyover projects proposed by North District Rep. Rachel del Mar.

The flyovers that were put on hold by the order of no less than the secretary of DPWH Rogelio Singson were supposed to be located at the intersections of M.J. Cuenco Avenue and Gen. Maxilom Avenues and Gorordo Avenue and Archbishop Reyes Avenue.

Examples

Osmeña explained that there were several DPWH projects implemented in Cebu City without the endorsement of the CDC. He cited as an example the installation of the decorative lampposts used during the ASEAN Summit.

“It was only an internal agreement, not a law. They (NEDA) can change it if they want,” Osmeña said.

The congressman said that if the DPWH would always need the CDC approval in implementing projects, it becomes an additional layer of bureaucracy in the government. Osmeña said that he is also proposing a flyover at Gorordo Ave. and corner Doña Modesta Gaisano St. in Barangay Lahug.

The flyover, Osmeña said is his own proposal although it is located in the North District. He said that the flyover comes after he is able to create a short-cut road from Doña Modesta Gaisano Street to Guadalupe.

Osmeña said that it will ease the congestion on M. Velez and Escario Streets.

This flyover will cost about P201 million. — /NLQ (FREEMAN)