Rama hits "signature campaign" for flyovers

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama criticized those behind the signature campaign in support of the construction of two flyover projects in barangays Kamputhaw and Carreta.

Rama said it is awkward for those who want the flyovers constructed to ask the sentiments of the people only now.

“Balit-ad man na nga karon ra sila mokuha og sentimento sa mga tawo, kaniadto unta na nila gibuhat. Kaniadto ra unta nila na gihimo aron nga inig-abot sa ibabaw timpla na, luto na. Kini unsa man ni nga mora man ni’g luto’ng makaw ang nahitabo,” Rama told the reporters yesterday.

The mayor challenged those behind the signature campaign to come out into the open instead of denying they conducted the signature campaign in Barangay Kinasang-an last Saturday.

Barangay Kinasang-an is part of the south district while barangays Carreta and Kamputhaw are in the north district.

Cebu City South district Rep. Tomas Osmeña denied any involvement in the signature campaign to support the construction of the flyovers.

Osmeña said when he distributed financial assistance to the fire victims in barangays Guadalupe and Carreta over the weekend he did not ask the concerned beneficiaries to sign any documents related to the flyover projects.

Kinasang-an Barangay Captain Susan Enriquez said there were persons who requested those who attended the feeding program conducted in her barangay last Saturday to sign the petition without telling them it is intended to support the flyover construction projects.

Enriquez said she was even surprised because Kinasang-an is in the south district.

Rama wants that before the flyover will be built the roads in the area of the proposed flyover shall be widened first to avoid traffic congestion during the construction period.

Cebu City North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar said of the P600 million budget, only P300 million will be spent for the two flyovers, while the rest are for the widening of roads.

Earlier, Del Mar said she was not behind the signature campaign as Kinasang-an is not even part of her district. - (THE FREEMAN)