Mike calls for unity with City Council

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama asked for unity among officials regardless of political affiliations in order to deliver services to the constituents.

“The hurt in political feelings may take time to heal. That should, however, not hinder us to forge harmony and tranquility in the affairs of the city. Let us set aside the whims and caprices as well as self-interest and aggrandisement. Let God lead the way. Let us not abandon God, If we do so, God will make us crazy,” Rama said during his 25-minute speech in the City Council’s inaugural session yesterday.

He announced the projects that he wants implemented by his administration and hoped to get the support of the council.

“As we have always espoused, together we make things happen. With people and private will be the wind beneath our wings, surely we can achieve our goals, much more if the members of the 13th City Council will lend their wholehearted support and will be in talking terms,” the mayor said.

Of the 16 members of the City Council, only four are allied with the mayor while the rest are supporters of the Bando Osmeña Pundok-Kauswagan (BOPK) whose founder, former South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña, was defeated by Rama in the May 13 elections.

Rama said after they were given a fresh mandate by the people, the more reason for the public to expect them to be more professional and set aside politics.

Speaking on behalf of the BOPK city legislators, Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña, who was elected as the City Council’s majority floor leader, assured they will support Rama’s projects as long as these are for the good of the majority of the people.

Rama said health-related programs are always on top of his priorities as he believes in the saying “health is wealth”.

He plans to build two more public hospitals and one of these will be in Barangay Bonbon, a mountain barangay.

The mayor also said he will continue to push for the sale of some of the lots in the South Road Properties (SRP) so that the proceeds can be used in the implementation of his projects, particularly drainage and creeks improvements and road maintenance.

“The SRP should be productive and should be run by an office that can manage and market it at the same time. SRP should perform as an asset and not as a liability. We shall demand payment for collectibles from the SRP,” Rama said.

As of now, the Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) has yet to give to the city its 10 percent share of the sales of its projects constructed in areas that are covered by the Joint Venture Agreement between the FLI and the city.

Rama also announced that one way to earn more revenue is the collection of franchise taxes from schools and hospitals through a “winnable and expedient solution.”

He designated newly-appointed City Legal Officer Gerone Castillo to handle this.

He also said idle city lots, the former CitiCenter Commercial Complex in Barangay Kamagayan and the Block 27 at the North Reclamation Area (NRA),  should be put to productive uses for the welfare of the general public.

In the campaign against criminalities, Rama said his administration will continue to run after those who are engaged in illegal gambling and other vices to reduce crimes.

His administration will also be aggressive in the drive against mendicants and night dwellers.

Rama also announced that he will be coordinating with Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III in order to solve the concerns raised by urban poor families living in Province-owned lots covered by Ordinance 93-1.  (FREEMAN)