CEBU, Philippines - Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez has ordered his municipal treasurer to “hold in abeyance” all remittances intended for the provincial government as he demanded the maintenance of provincial roads and bridges.
Ramirez issued the memorandum yesterday to Municipal Treasurer Ruth Gillamac.
“You are hereby ordered to hold in abeyance any remittances due to the Province of Cebu until such time that they take cognizance of their obligation to repair and rehabilitate the provincial roads and bridges within the territorial jurisdiction of this municipality,” read the memorandum.
Ramirez lamented that the municipality is being penalized whenever they are late in paying the real property taxes.
“It’s about time that the Province is also sanctioned for turning a blind eye to the sorry state of their road and bridges,” he said.
Ramirez also brought out the matter to fourth district Representative Benhur Salimbangon.
Salimbangon said he will request Governor Hilario Davide III to take a look into the road situation, which falls under the obligation of the provincial government.
“Ato pakighinabian si Gov. Davide basin wa mahibawo, basin malusno ang tulay, guba ang karsada, this will not be good image sa province kung di maatiman,” Salimbangon said.
Provincial Board Member Sun Shimura said he and his colleague, PB Member Joven Mondigo Jr., will also request Davide through the Provincial Planning and Development Office or the Provincial Engineering Office to rehabilitate the roads and bridges.
Last September 19, Ramirez already wrote Davide on the situation of the provincial bridge at Dagusungan River and the dilapidated provincial roads near the Bogo-Medellin Milling Company in Barangay Luy-a.
On September 29, Ramirez sent the photos of a big hole at the foot of the bridge which he said is deemed dangerous not only to the structure itself but to the motorists and pedestrians as well.
Ramirez said even if he is not a political ally of Davide, the municipality has been remitting the share of real property taxes due to the province as mandated by law.
“Wala ta mangayo og pabor ug wala sad ta’y gipangayo para sa lain nga mga butang kun di nagpahinumdum ta kanila nga palihug atimana ang inyong responsibilidad sama sa amon sa’ng pag-atiman sa amoa,” Ramirez added. — Gregg M. Rubio/ATO (FREEMAN)