Abadia wants to talk to Rama over PUJs, garbage trucks

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City administrator James Abadia has written Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to ask for an audience with him and his representatives to discuss issues that affect both cities.

In his letter, Abadia said problems involving the disposal of solid waste and drainage can only be resolved through dialogue and cooperation.

Abadia wrote the letter yesterday after learning Cebu City Councilor Edu Rama and Randy Navarro of the Cebu City Solid Waste Management Office went to see Engr. Dario Mago of the Department of General Services to request that Mandaue allow Cebu City's dump trucks to enter Mandaue on their way to a private landfill in Consolacion town where Cebu plans to dump its garbage.

But since Mago is not in position to decide on such matters, the officials were referred to Placido Jerusalem, the head Environmental Enforcement Team.

Jerusalem said the officials repeated their request but told them his office will enforce the city ordinance on solid waste and R.A 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

He told them his office will apprehend their dump trucks if these entered the city.

The Mandaue City council has approved a resolution which prohibits all garbage trucks from other local government units from entering the city through its major thoroughfares.

Since nothing came out of the visit, Rama said they will come back when Mayor Jonas Cortes returns from Germany, where the mayor is scrutinizing the country's solid waste management.

Abadia hopes solutions can be found.

Presently, jeepneys from Mandaue City are prohibited from entering Cebu City.