Critics tell Tom: Be open-minded

CEBU, Philippines — Two of the opposition Cebu City councilors advised Mayor Tomas Osmeña to have an open mind and to show respect to the officials of the Regional Development Office in Central Visayas.

Councilors Raymond Alvin Garcia and Joel Garganera reminded the mayor that RDC-7 officials were appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte himself.

This after Osmeña accused RDC-7 officials of allegedly blocking projects for the city, tagging them as “incompetent.”

Osmeña made the statement after RDC-7 did not approve the projects pushed by Rep. Raul del Mar for the city’s North District.

Last week, Del Mar asked RDC to consider changing an appropriation for a feasibility study into an appropriation for the development of three road sections in the North District considered as congested. These road sections are from D. Jakosalem to F. Sotto straight to Asilo to Banilad to Talamban; from Salinas drive to Pope John Paul Avenue II to Sergio Osmeña Boulevard; and from Cardinal Rosales Avenue to F. Cabahug to H. Cortes.

But RDC-7 did not approve Del Mar’s request and pushed through with the approval of the feasibility study, which the congressman said is actually ongoing.

Councilor Joel Garganera said RDC-7 was just doing its mandate in studying and reviewing projects before they will endorse them to the national government for funding.

He added that the council is just looking at the holistic approach in solving traffic problem in neighboring cities.

“He should open his mind that there are new, bright and fresh ideas coming from younger individuals, younger people who don’t have any vested interest, but the only interest is to look after what is the best for Cebu, dili ra siya ang may’ng laki,” Garcia said.

Osmeña, however, claimed that RDC-7 officials are affiliated with his nemesis, Office of the Presidential Assistant for Visayas Head Michael Lloyd Dino, who also tried to “block” the implementation of the city’s Bus Rapid Transit project.

Although the council is headed by a private entity for the first time, Glenn Soco, RDC-7 infrastructure development committee head, said the advantages of having them are that they have no political biases and that they have objective views on the projects.

RDC-7, the highest planning and policy-making body in the region, is chaired by internationally-renowned furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

“In terms of traffic, we lack a road and transport master plan. We can only make reference to the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) roadmap study done in 1992 and the on-going JICA/ALMEC study which is set to finish this August. This is something that our friends from the MCDCB have been pushing DPWH to do,” Soco’s Facebook post read.

Soco lamented that some people are trying to destroy the credibility  of  RDC-7 officials.

“Let me remind those powerful and influential personalities who are out to destroy us - WALA PA MIY SALA SA PUBLIKO!!!! We have our future ahead of us that you are set to destroy, if you continue in your age-old ways! We will stand up and engage anyone in any public discourse, be it in principle or in the battlefield,” he said.

Although Soco did not mention any personalities, Osmeña, in a separate interview, said he is willing to accept the challenge of a public discourse with RDC-7 officials.

The mayor said he will present the RDC’s report card with zero projects for Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, and Negros Oriental.

“Sure, let’s start with their score cards, zero now let them explain that. There’s nothing for me to attack why because there’s nothing for,” the mayor said.

Soco, however, clarified that the council has already endorsed several projects for the region like the Metro Cebu Expressway, north and south bypass roads, the Mactan Road Network upgrade, widening of H. Cortes, new connector bridge in Bohol, and upgrading of the Cang-alwang airport in Siquijor, among others.

Soco said they don’t belong to a “rubber stamp” council, stressing that RDC-7 is not and will not be blocking any projects beneficial to the public.

For his part, Garcia said he has still full trust and confidence in Soco and Cobonpue, who the councilor believes have no ulterior motives compared to the previous RDC-7 officials.

“Right now we have young RDC composed of very idealistic individuals who will really look after the best interest of Cebu,” he said. —KBQ (FREEMAN)