Council seeks reversal of veto

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City Council has passed a resolution overriding the veto of Mayor Paz Radaza on the ordinance designating the old PUJ terminal located in Barangay Pajo as the Central Van for Hire or V-hire Terminal of the city.

The resolution was introduced by Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Francisco Senerpida and got the support from all members of the City Council.

Senerpida manifested to override the veto of Mayor Radaza citing the need to implement the ordinance because of the several complaints raised by affected commuters. The councilor added that some commuters would complain they have to ride two times to their destinations.

In her veto message, Radaza said among the primary concerns begged by the ordinance are its effects to the traffic condition of the city and to the constituents especially the riding public. Radaza said these are not addressed by passing the subject ordinance.

Radaza also said nothing in the minutes of the City Traffic Management System board meeting on July 10, 2014, during which CTMS Board Resolution No. 006-2014 was passed, touches on those concerns.

Also, CTMS Board Resolution No. 006-2014 was not submitted to her for approval, she added.

Radaza also said the subject ordinance will have the effect of prohibiting V-hires from using other existing terminals, without qualification as to its applicability to those which are subject of contracts.

"Please be reminded that the city entered into a Deed of Usufruct with Taipan Development, Inc. in 2014, creating a public terminal at the latter's establishment," Radaza said.

"The subject ordinance has the effect of unilaterally deleting the 'V-hire' from the said Deed, which the city cannot do," Radaza explained.

But members of the City Council said the interest of the public should prevail and the ordinance should be implemented.  (FREEMAN)