Politics affect Lorega socialized housing

CEBU, Philippines - Political rivalries appear to be heating up already between Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and the father and daughter del Mars, former congressman Raul del Mar and North District Rep. Rachel “Cutie” del Mar. This, after the del Mars decided to put on hold the construction of a second Condoville unit in the 9,000 sq. meters of the 1.9-hectare cemetery lot which is a socialized housing site in the old Lorega San Miguel cemetery.

“We want to embark on the second building in Lorega San Miguel pero amo lang una i-postpone (…but we will just postpone it),” Cutie said, adding that she was hurt by Rama’s remarks when her father made a suggestion but was instead insulted by the mayor.

Cutie reminded the mayor that it was her father, during his incumbency, that allocated P10 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the construction of a three- storey, 60-door condominium unit while P2 million was donated by a non-government organization headed by Fr. Max Abalos.

At least 18 units have already been turned over to the beneficiaries last week but it was yet unclear if the city government would allow them to own the lots occupied by the urban poor condominiums. 

Rama said he wants to discuss the matter with the occupants, the Department for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) of City Hall, and Lorega barangay officials. The mayor said the property may now be valued at P20,000 per sq. meters.

The former congressman thought it would be best for the occupants if the city government will donate the property occupied by Condoville I, or enter into a usufruct agreement with its occupants.

But Rama hit back at Raul saying that he should not dictate what should be done for the families who now own the lots where their urban poor condominiums are built on.

“He should not dictate. Who is he to challenge when he’s not even the lot owner? Don’t even challenge the office of the mayor even if you are congressman. But he’s not even an incumbent congressman,” he said, adding that the city government will decide what to do with its properties.

The del Mars said that they will be pushing through with the second Condoville unit next year, after the mid-term elections.

“It will be next year after elections, and when he will not be the mayor,” the elder del Mar said.

The former congressman is expected to make a comeback in next year’s election, which will reportedly be challenged by controversial talent manager and actress Annabelle Rama, the mayor’s first degree-cousin. (FREEMAN)