Mayor’s veto stays, demolition to go on

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City-initiated demolitions and clearing operations affecting informal settlers will continue after the City Council failed to override Mayor Michael Rama’s veto on the proposed ordinance seeking to impose a one year moratorium.

The Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan-dominated council fell short of the required 12 votes to override Rama’s veto on the ordinance sponsored by Councilor Alvin Dizon.

“I am sad nga wala mahibaw-i sa kaubanan sa council ug sa atong mayor nga kining maong ordinansa wala mag-originate nako. Naggikan ni sa mga tawo ug sila ang nihangyo kon mahimo ba nga mapangitaan og paagi nga adunay breathing space ang mga urban poor of one year nga makapahuway sila sa mga inhumane demolitions. But I am sad that the mayor failed to see the real intent of the spirit of the legislative measure,” Dizon told reporters.

Only 10 members of the 18-member council voted to override the mayor’s veto. Four abstained from voting while the others were absent, including Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Those who voted to override the veto were Dizon, Alvin Arcilla, Roberto Cabarrubias, Margarita Osmeña, Sisinio Andales, Ma. Nida Cabrera, Lea Japson, Eugenio Gabuya Jr., Mary Ann de los Santos, and David Tumulak.

Those who abstained were Councilors Gerardo Carillo, Nendell Hanz Abella, Philip Zafra, and James Anthony Cuenco.

Dizon, who delivered a privilege speech before moving to override the veto, was disappointed by the outcome because he was expecting to get the required number of votes.

Dizon said two members of the minority, Tumulak and Cuenco, agreed to support him. However, only Tumulak fulfilled his commitment while Cuenco abstained.

The supposed beneficiaries of the ordinance were present during the session. Like Dizon they were also disappointed by the outcome. — (FREEMAN)