Tomas cancels road projects

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña has cancelled at least P200 million worth of road concreting projects and vowed not to realign the funds to other projects.

“It’s cancelled and I will not realign it. I’ll just give it (the fund) to the national coffers,” said Osmeña in a press conference at his house in barangay Guadalupe.

Osmeña said there is no use realigning the funds as Mayor Michael Rama will just block all his projects so that it would appear that he has done nothing for the city.

Among the projects affected are the road widening from V. Rama Ave. to Doña Modesta Gaisano Road worth P139 million; road improvement of Quijano St. amounting to P41.7 million and improvement of Andres Abellana St. worth P47.7 million.

Osmeña said all the projects were already bid out but he does not mind shelving these projects while Rama still sits as mayor of Cebu City.

“I’m fed up of this already. Just don’t accuse me of not getting money for Cebu City,” he said.

Rama earlier wrote to DPWH to stop the implementation of the projects as the roads covered are still in good condition.

Rama suggested to use the funds to widen the Pit-os and N. Bacalso roads or to construct a comprehensive drainage system in Cebu City.

But Osmeña dismissed the idea saying Rama should find his own funds for those projects.

“He wants realignment? Let him get his own money. I’m not allowing this to be realigned. That’s my prerogative,” Osmeña said.

The former mayor also described Rama’s behavior as “weird”as he is the only mayor who does not like projects in his city and he blamed politics for it.

And while he considers himself “champion” in sourcing funds, Osmeña doubts if Rama can do what he has done. — /MBG (FREEMAN)