CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has requested two members of Congress to deliver a privilege speech on the infrastructure projects the national government has implemented in Cebu.
Rama said that since he does not have a chance to present a speech in Congress, he asked 4th district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano to deliver a speech of what the national government has done for Cebu so that the Filipinos would be aware of the projects.
Rama pointed out that the city received aid from the national government through infrastructure projects in 2008, like the beatification of Plaza Sugbo and construction of the City Jail, during the time of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Rama said that the city government has the right to demand for projects that will benefit millions of Cebuanos.
“A lot of infrastructure is needed by Cebu. And we cannot be just waiting, we should demand,†he said.
Joy Pesquera, Rama’s counsel, was tasked to check on how much the city has contributed to the national government’s coffers and all the infrastructure projects in the city funded by the national government.
“We have always been surcharged,†Rama stressed.
During the commemoration of the 28th Edsa Revolution last Tuesday, Rama wanted to speak with President Benigno Aquino III, hoping to relay his “wish list†on certain projects like the Carbon Unit II, the construction of the new Cebu City Medical Center and renovation of the Malacañang sa Sugbo.
But the two were not able to speak privately after the festivities. (FREEMAN)