Labangon asks CH refund of removed street lighting

CEBU, Philippines - Following the dismissal of the first case that they filed in court, Barangay Labangon filed another case against Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama who ordered the removal of their street lighting project at the junction of Salvador and Katipunan streets.

This time the case sought for the reimbursement of what the barangay had spent for the initial construction of the project amounting to almost P1 million.

Barangay Captain Victor Buendia said the council held an emergency session Wednesday night to pass a resolution authorizing him to file a civil case against Rama, among others and for the reimbursement of their project which was already 40 percent completed.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 16 dismissed Wednesday the petition filed by Buendia for a temporary restraining order and the motion to secure preliminary mandatory injunction to stop the clearing operation.

The court found no merit in the petition since the demolition was already completed on Tuesday.  He said they just want to improve the barangay through the project which Rama ordered for its removal.

Rama, for his part, stood firm in his contention that the center island construction at the junction is hazardous to motorists.

Buendia explained filing a case is not going against Rama who on the other hand said that by doing such, it would mean ending the good relationship between the barangay and the city.

“He should be reasonable, mayor baya siya, di siya manghadlok,” Buendia said.

The City Council has already approved a resolution requesting the mayor to consider the possibility for reimbursing the barangay’s project.  (FREEMAN)