Ramirez slams Capitol on alleged bypass

CEBU, Philippines - Medellin Mayor Ricardo Ramirez has hit back at the Capitol after he was asked to help in the development of a relocation site in Barangay Kawit which was earlier entrusted by Governor Hilario Davide III to his ally barangay captain.

Ramirez said a staff of the Provincial Engineering Office called him up to ask for the site development plan of the five-hectare lot donated by Ancajas family.

The plan is needed by the Army Engineering Brigade which will work on the relocation site.

Ramirez said his staff gave the contact number of barangay captain Fr. Oscar Banzon.

"Gi-ingnan (nako) adto lang mo pangayo ana kaniya kay wa man mi labot kaha anang relocation site," Ramirez said.

Ramirez was apparently referring to the earlier statement of Davide that he bypassed Ramirez on the said project upon the recommendation of Baltazar Tribunalo, the head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

Last Tuesday afternoon, Ramirez said Tribunalo called him and requested to help the Army Engineering Brigade by providing fuel and tent.

"Aw gitando-tando lang sad nako pero kaingon ko biliba nako aning Baltz ipamugos man jud na'ng ila proyekto diri nga sigurado man gyud ko sikwate inig ka human," Ramirez said.

"And if Baltz thinks that I could be easily swayed, then he's in for a shock because I will only offer lip service," Ramirez added.

Ramirez also warned Tribunalo to be careful in giving interviews to the media after the latter said a classroom rebuilt in Kawit was substandard.

Ramirez earlier said he has no problem if the governor will bypass him.

He pointed out there is no danger zone in his town because it is not vulnerable to a storm surge.

The Ancajas family owns the entire Gibitngil Island, a barangay in Medellin. Residents of that island affected by typhoon Yolanda are to be relocated in Barangay Kawit. — Gregg M. Rubio/JMD (FREEMAN)