Rama asks for update on SRP, "leak" at tunnel

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama has scheduled a meeting with his selected City Hall department heads and some councilors to discuss the latest status of the South Road Properties (SRP) that include the activities of Bigfoot Entertainment.

The mayor also asked the officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to look into reports that there is a leak in the subway tunnel that passes under the Plaza Independencia from the viaduct.

Rama said he will inspect the tunnel soon to see for himself the reported leak, particularly during heavy rains. He said the DPWH should immediately act on it rather than wait for an accident at the area.

District Engineer Nicomedes Leonor, however, assured that the leak is not alarming because it is very small.

Those invited for a meeting with the mayor include SRP manager Roberto "Bo" Varquez, City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete, City Treasurer Emma Villarete, Councilors Jose Daluz III and Edgardo Labella.

The mayor said he wants to know the financial status of the SRP from Villarete and to find out from Varquez the latest development of Bigfoot Entertainment that leased two-hectare lot at the SRP for only P26 per square meter for 25 years.

Rama said he is ready to answer accusations from his political opponent who might believe that one of the reasons he wants to find out the activities of Bigfoot Entertainment is because its owner, Michael Gleissner, is supporting the mayoral bid of Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña.

Rama recalled that the former mayor had announced Bigfoot will contribute at least 80,000 jobs for the Cebuanos that is why the city officials have agreed that the movie film maker will be allowed to lease the SRP lot at a very low price.

"Nakadungog na ba kamo nga dunay pelikula nga nahimo diha sa Bigfoot studio sa SRP? Pila na ba kabook ang ilang napatrabaho?" the mayor asked. (Has anyone heard of a movie being produced there? How many jobs have they generated?)

It was Gleissner who wanted to donate two US-made Dodge Charger vehicles to the city when Osmeña was mayor in 2009, but called off his plan after he knew that Osmeña's term was only up to June 30, 2010.— /JPM (FREEMAN)