Unity rather than Discord

The conflict about the flyover projects can go many ways. It can further polarize the contending groups as can be observed now. Or it can unite the contending groups if all are open to dialogue and if all have the best interests of the Cebuanos and Cebu City in their hearts.

 Clarification of issues is basic to leading the contending groups to unite for the best for Cebu and the Cebuanos. Let us try to summarize together the conflicting issues that need to be resolved by all concerned parties.

 One, the pro-flyover party are saying that as a solution to the heavy traffic problem in the said locations, the flyover projects have been endorsed in 2005 and the funds are now available in 2011 for the construction of the flyovers. Hence, the present flyover projects are done deals and have to be executed this year.

 The stop flyover group, on the other hand, is asking several questions;

 1) Was there any public consultation done in 2005, when and where? They ask this question as many of them were surprised to be asked to attend, for the first time, a so-called consultation meeting related to pre-bidding for this project only this September.

 2) Is the traffic situation in the said locations really that heavy and problematic and are the flyovers the best option to solve the post-2005 traffic problem?

 3) If the flyover project endorsement was done in 2005, during the last dispensation, was the approval also done then or during the term of PNoy? This question is raised as the stop flyover group suggests that in this post-wangwang period, the P600M may be of better use now for other more immediate needs, for pro-poor projects (anti-hunger, employment, housing), for road widening, anti-flooding or better drainage system etc.

 4) Are the Del Mars open to more time for a more comprehensive review about the best use of the P600M for the most appropriate project based on what is most needed by the city and the residents? Is it too much to request for an objective review and evaluation of previous flyover projects before the proposed flyover project is initiated? One pro-Del Mar voter sincerely asked if the Del Mars can present to the public a reliable evaluation of the Banilad-Talamban flyover project, whether indeed traffic was solved or not.

 5) What will happen to the P600M if the proposed flyover projects are either postponed or all together scrapped for now? Can the Del Mars request that the allotted P600M be realigned for other pro-poor projects, for example?

 All the conflicting parties should also be asked if they prefer the discord and distrust over this project vs. unity and faith for the best of all and for Cebu City? Can they not all come to a dialogue and compromise about this present proposal?

 Will the Del Mars be open to a dialogue soon with the protesting party to enlighten everyone about their proposed flyover project? It will help if RDC, NEDA, DPWH and DBM can be present as well to clarify issues related to project endorsement, approval and implementation. Perhaps the Church, through Cebu Archbishop Palma can gather everyone soon in the spirit of dialogue and faith?

 The present conflict is offering so much lessons and insights for everyone.

 News reports remind everyone about the political battle that the proposed flyover project is causing among the politicians (district representatives vs. city officials) and among politicians and the people.

 Will the politicians who have different but related jurisdictions allow much room for accommodation and openness and allow the people as well to share in governance for the best of the people and city of Cebu? Will the protesters as well be just as open to unity and faith for the best of the people and city of Cebu?

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