On creek, abattoir issues Cortes open to dialogue with Rama

CEBU, Philippines – Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes has clarified that he is willing to sit and talk with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to discuss issues concerning the Mahiga Creek and the Cebu City slaughterhouse.

Cortes was cited in earlier reports as not wanting to have a dialogue with Rama as Cortes intended to speak with Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Cortes said he was misconstrued.

"Ang ako lang, ang nasugdan namo ni Vice Mayor Labella… amua tong padayunon (From my end, I only wanted to continue with the dialogue with Labella)," he said, but it didn't mean that he was slamming Rama.

The camps of Cortes and Labella met recently and discussed about the clearing of the footbridges in Mahiga Creek at the North Reclamation Area that connects the cities of Mandaue and Cebu.

A second meeting between Cebu City's administrator and Mandaue City's legal office will soon be held, Cortes said.

"Dili ingun nga mamili ko og istoryhan, I am a public servant and I wish to settle this the right way," he added.

Cortes said he aims to settle the issue and with the help of the dialogue between Mandaue and Cebu, he hopes the situation will finally be resolved.

Mayor Cortes said the city is firm in its decision to remove structures within the three-meter easement zone from the creek.

He pointed out that the barangay hall in Mantuyong that lies near the creek will soon be demolished by the city government.

He also said the city will give Cebu City ample time to come up with other arrangements for their slaughterhouse before the footbridges are demolished.

Lawyer James Abadia, Mandaue City administrator, confirmed yesterday afternoon that they have met with the Cebu City Administrator Lucelle Mercado and Cebu City Legal Officer Jerome Castillo.

Abadia, who was with Mandaue City Legal Officer lawyer Giovanni Tianero, said both camps will cooperate for the protection and rehabilitation of the Mahiga Creek.

Abadia said that they will only demolish bridges that cause flooding in both cities.

Inspectors from Mandaue City have identified 41 footbridges at the creek, according to earlier reports.

Abadia said both engineering departments will study which bridges cause water to  overflow.