RDC no hand in realignment of Rep. Osmeña's PDAF

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Development Council has nothing to do with the realignment of funds supposedly for the flyover projects in Cebu City to the road widening project from Naga City to Sibonga.

“As far as that project in Naga is concerned, I would like to believe that it has RDC approval. About the realignment, we have nothing to do with it,” said Emmanuel Rabacal, RDC 7 Infrastructure Development Committee chairman at the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza yesterday.

Rabacal explained that the RDC only approves projects and maybe the cost but not the funding.

“As far as infrastructure project is concerned, it first passes through the infrastructure development committee for approval. If approved, I will present it to the full council, I defend it. If it is not approved, it’s dead in the water, it will not go up,” Rabacal added.

Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña earlier yielded P400 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the ongoing road-widening project in the City of Naga to Sibonga of Rep. Eduardo Gullas of Cebu’s first district.

The fund was originally intended for the proposed flyover projects of Osmeña for the north district that were opposed.

Osmeña then decided to realign the funds to six road concreting projects in the south district which Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama objected saying the roads are still in excellent condition.

This prompted Osmeña to yield the amount to Gullas.

Osmeña said it is a “waste of time” if he continues to fight for his own projects when Rama is objecting these.

He, however, assured his constituents that he will still get funds for infrastructure projects once he gets elected as mayor next year.

As to the legality of the transfer of funds, Osmeña said that Department of Public Works and Highway Secretary Rogelio Singson is aware of his move and did not oppose to it.  (FREEMAN)