Rama eyes second term as RDC head

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama intends to get a new term as chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 after being reelected in the May 13 elections.

Rama became the chairman of the council during his first term as mayor.

He told reporters yesterday during the 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza that just like his mayoral post, he also intends to seek another term as chairman of the development council composed of different agencies and sectors.

“I would love to be given the chance to continue as the chairman of RDC. This council is instrumental in several  development projects and vision for Central Visayas,” Rama said.

The council, he added, was also instrumental in stopping Cebu City into becoming a “turtle city” due to infrastructure projects eyed by his predecessor, outgoing congressman Tomas Osmena.

“If not for this RDC, Cebu City will be a turtle city. I used to be with my predecessor and I always hear him say that a lot of flyover projects are already planned for the city,” the mayor continued.

Earlier, flyover projects were deferred by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) due to non-endorsement of the RDC as well as strong opposition from the private sector and civil society.

 While Rama strongly opposed these projects, his former mentor and now political archrival, Osmena, was one of its main proponent together with incoming Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar.

Rama and del Mar had a heated argument during discussion of the flyover projects for Cebu City in the RDC full council meeting in Bohol last year.

Del Mar attended the meeting to represent his daughter, the incumbent representative of Cebu City North Dsitrict, Rachelle “Cutie” del Mar, — (FREEMAN)