To deliver message on behalf of Cebu City; Osmeña to attend bridge launch

CEBU, Philippines - Contrary to his earlier pronouncement, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña confirms his presence at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Cebu-Cordova Bridge this coming Thursday.

“I’m part of the program.  I’m one of the speakers of the program. So, yes I will attend,” he told reporters yesterday.

He earlier said that he will not attend the event if he would just be used as a “spare tire.”

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino earlier said that Osmeña’s presence will just be “ceremonial,” as the mayor “has nothing to do with the project.”

During the groundbreaking event, Osmeña is set to deliver a message on behalf of the city government.

He also refutes Dino’s claim that he was not part of the realization of the third bridge project.

He said he was the one who pushed to change some details of the project so that those who are living on the riverbank of Guadalupe River in Barangay Pasil would not be demolished.

“I made changes.  And the changes I made is that I corrected the plan of Rama (former mayor) so that there will be no demolition in Pasil. This message is basically for the people of Pasil.  Now (that) I’m the mayor, (during) the construction of third bridge, there will be no demolition,” Osmeña said.

Since he assumed office, Osmeña registered his opposition on the demolition of some Pasil residents.

Earlier, the original proposal does not include the Guadalupe River.

It was former mayor Michael Rama's administration that insisted the inclusion of the Guadalupe River.

Osmeña said the project proponent, Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation (MPTDC), heeded to his request that no demolition would be done during the bridge’s construction.

In fact, MPTDC Legal Counsel Lawyer Aristotle Batuhan said the project can stand without the construction of a road right of way that traverses the Guadalupe River.

The areas in Pasil that would have been impacted are Sitios Lawis, Lawis Riverside, Concepcion Riverside, Tikaban Riverside.

“The reason why I am against the bridge (was) because of the demolition. Now, there’s going to be none.  Number two, the city should not pay for it because it’s expensive.  But if the private sector is willing to spend for it then who am I to complain? I am just being practical.  As long as it is not our money, grasya na gud na,” Osmeña said.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to grace the groundbreaking event.

At present, the MPTDC is now processing the necessary permits for the construction.

The bridge is projected to be completed in 2020, if construction can start this year. (FREEMAN)