Davide open for RDC chairmanship

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III has opened his door of the possibility to head the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas.

Although he admitted not thinking about it yet because he knew that Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is interested in the position which the latter held during his previous term, but Davide said he is open to it if President Benigno Aquino III would ask him.

“If the President will consider me and will ask me to head the RDC, of course, willing ta mo-serve as head sa RDC,” Davide told reporters.

The President is the one who appoints the chairman and vice chairman of the RDC.

For 2010-2013 term, President Benigno Aquino III first appointed the late Negros Oriental governor Augustin Perdices last December 2, 2010 while Argeo Melisimo, president of the First Consolidated Bank in Bohol, was co-chairman representing the private sector.

Perdices died of stomach cancer last January 5, 2011 before he was able to take oath as RDC-7 chairman for 2010-2013 prompting the regional office of the National Economic Development Authority 7 to submit another list of nominees to the President.

Submitted were the names of Rama, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes and the governors of Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.

On March 31, 2011, Aquino picked Rama who was then his ally in the Liberal Party.

Rama is eyeing the position for 2013-2016 term despite being in the opposition already because he ran under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) in the last May 13 elections.

Rama earlier said the council was instrumental in stopping Cebu City into becoming a “turtle city” due to infrastructure projects eyed by his predecessor, former congressman Tomas Osmena.

Flyover projects were deferred by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) due to non-endorsement of the RDC under Rama’s leadership as well as strong opposition from the private sector and civil society.

Even if he is an ally of the President, Davide did not seek high position in the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP).

Davide said that during their general assembly and election of officers last Friday, he was elected as board member at large with Mindoro Oriental Governor Alfonso Umali as reelected national president.

Among the tasks of the RDC is to approve the Regional Development Plan, the Regional Physical Framework Plan, the Multi-Year Regional Development Investment Program, the Regional Annual Investment Program and other special development plans.— (FREEMAN)