CEBU, Philippines - This round goes to those against the projects.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered the suspension of the P600-million flyover projects proposed by Cebu City North District Representative Rachel Marguerite “Cutie” del Mar.
In a memorandum dated October 7, which was signed by DPWH undersecretary for regional operations Romeo Momo told DPWH-7 to suspend the two flyover projects until the concern of opposition groups were resolved.
“In view thereof, you are advised to hold in abeyance the implementation of these projects until such time that this issue will be resolved,” Momo told DPWH-7 Director Pedro Herrera Jr.
Momo cited the opposition to the flyover project planned to be built near the Asilo de la Milagrosa Church at the intersection of Gorordo Avenue and Archbishop Ave., and the near Carreta cemetery in M.J. Cuenco Avenue and General Maxilom intersection.
The two new flyovers were proposed by former Rep. Raul del Mar.
The copies of the letter were sent to Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM), Mayor Michael Rama and Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s South District.
“I requested it”
In an interview with The Freeman, Rep. Cutie del Mar said the holding in abeyance of the implementation of the projects is in response to her earlier request to the DPWH that no work will start especially on the Gorordo flyover until after Nov. 28 as requested by Asilo de la Milagrosa.
“Good because I earlier asked DPWH that no work on the Gorordo flyover be started until after November 28 as requested by Asilo administrator Leticia Derilo during my dialogue with them last October 6,” del Mar said.
DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson is expected to be in Cebu next week to meet with those with the various stakeholders regarding the flyover projects in the city.
“That is OK. Anyway, we ask for the suspension of the work. We expect the issues will be heard because we are aware that there is a plan for consultations and dialogue with the pro and anti to be conducted with by the Secretary himself,” del Mar said.
Osmeña, for his part, said he is not happy about the suspension, but respects the decision.
“I’m not happy but let’s go through with the hearings. This is (Mayor Michael) Rama’s game of swiping del Mar’s funding because he has not been resourceful at all,” Osmeña said in his text message.
DPWH Cebu City District Engr. Nicomedes Leonor Jr., for his part, said that they will respect the order of Secretary Singson, but clarified that the “hold in abeyance” does not mean that the project will no longer be implemented.
Leonor believes that the project will benefit the public and that it will help minimize the traffic congestion in the area.
Happy
Mayor Rama and CITOM share the joy of the temporary victory.
Rama said the order of the Secretary of DPWH, who is under the mandate of no less than the President, only shows that they have a government that has the listening ear.
“We are very happy about it, whether it is temporary or permanent. Now we just have to let the experts discuss the matter until all issues that have been raised are resolved,” Rama said.
The viability of flyovers in Cebu will also be discussed before the Regional Development Council in Central Visayas. CITOM Board Chairman Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem said they have heard about the order, as a rumor, a week ago but it was confirmed only last Monday when the copy of the Memorandum reached the CITOM office.
“We even heard that DPWH is planning to cancel everything. Anyway, we are very happy that DPWH listened to our concerns and it is actually the first time that they did,” Jakosalem said.
Jakosalem said CITOM hopes the order to hold in abeyance is permanent as they stand firm in their position that the flyovers, especially the one proposed in Gorordo Avenue is not needed.
“Well, we can say it is permanent because according to the memo, it will be held in abeyance until such time that the issues raised are resolved. I don’t think these issues will ever be resolved unless of course there is no flyover,” Jakosalem said.
Diversion
Jakosalem said there will be a formal letter to be sent to the DPWH to request for the diversion of the fund to other priority projects.
Jakosalem said the city does not seek any credit from DPWH projects, but to use the money for other projects that will solve the immediate concerns of the city is more of their concern.
“Anyway, igo ra man ta maka-request. It is still up to them to grant it or not. We might request them to spend for drainage instead or road widening. Or they can help us upgrade the traffic system which will cost only P200 million,” Jakosalem said.
Statement
The Stop Cebu Flyovers Movement, now known the Movement for a Livable Cebu, issued an official statement in their official page in Facebook, where they said they are glad that their voices have been heard.
“Our movement, together with other groups and concerned citizens would like to work with the government to as quickly as possible determine how the traffic issues of (Metro) Cebu can be relieved in simple and cooperative effort that require minimal investment as a short term stop gap measure,” the MLC said. –/NLQ (FREEMAN)