Talisay council asks DPWH to explain loading bay project

CEBU, Philippines – The Talisay City Council has acted on the controversial loading and unloading bay constructed in Tabunok Public Market.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante said even without the recommendation of the affected sectors, the council already approved a resolution authored by City Councilor Socrates Fernandez,  chairman of Committee on Infrastructure, ordering the Department of  Public Works and Highways to explain why the project was built.

The council also asked DPWH to determine the entrance for the buying public at Tabunok market, as well as the entrance and exit routes of the vehicles.

The vendors and tricycle drivers and other sectors have earlier questioned the construction in the entire portion of the market because they feel like they were fenced and there is no entrance and exit route going to the existing parking lot.

It was found out that the project of the DPWH did not go through a public consultation and was carried out without the knowledge of the city officials.

The other day, the DPWH, Representative Gerald Anthony Gullas and City Councilor Doroteo Emit called for a consultative meeting together with the affected sectors and they agreed that the affected stakeholders make a recommendation for the City Council to draft a resolution to urge the DPWH to explain and make changes of the project for the benefit of everybody.

However,  Villarante called this meeting a "purely publicity" after the project was questioned.

Villarante added that the presence of Councilor Emit did not mean he is bringing the voice of the council. He also said  the presence of lawyer Aven Piramide, who is known to be political consultant of former congressman Eduardo Gullas, was not needed.

"Kun nagpahibawo man gani sila sa mayor, posible nga ang mayor wala usab mahibawo sa iyang buhaton aron dili musangko ngadto sa pagkapalpak," Villarante added. (FREEMAN)