Rama suspects CH behind illegal titling

CEBU, Philippines - Investigating why parts of the Buhisan waterway were titled to private individuals could lead to City Hall, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday told reporters.

“We ask how can these be titled when it’s inalienable? Whoever may have been responsible for this? I don’t know how far we can go in tracing because it could lead to City Hall,” Rama said.

He added that no land title is issued without the required tax declaration, which is issued by the city government.

The mayor further stressed that revocation of land titles acquired by private individuals is not the priority of the city government.

“I have not thought of revocation. The most important thing is to solve the siltation level of the dam,” the mayor said.

He emphasized the urgent need to address siltation in order to fully maximize the capacity of Buhisan Dam to hold water as one of the major sources of Metro Cebu Water District in serving Cebu City and neighboring local government units.

The city government yesterday met with MCWD officials, Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to discuss imminent dam water overflow adding to the fact that some parts of Barangay Buhisan have been declared areas prone to landslide and floods usually triggered by the onset of rainy season.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, designated representative of Rama at the Reduce Danger Zone (ReDZ) project, presided over the meeting also attended by Buhisan barangay captain Ramil Rago.

As relayed by Tumulak, MCWD, the GOCC managing the water catchment facility, pledged to formulate an emergency action plan as well as assist the barangay and city government on precautionary measures and relocation of affected settlers.

Tumulak added that MCWD admitted during the meeting that two of their flood gates are busted with only Gate 2 normally functioning.

Moreover, no parking policy along Buhisan road was already in place starting last night for easier access, especially in times of calamity.

Tumulak added that CITOM has started full implementation following a “rekorida” informing residents that no vehicle will be allowed to occupy the narrow road leading to barangay Buhisan and Toong. — /BRP (FREEMAN)