News Briefs

RAMA AGREES WITH  ROAD WIDENING

REP. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district and Mayor Michael Rama  agree on one thing—the need to widen city roads.

But Rama said this shouldn’t be a condition to justify building a flyover in Gorordo Avenue, which he opposes.

“Why do they insist on a flyover? If there is a need to widen the road (F. Sotto), then widen it.  But it should not be done to push the flyover project,” said Rama.

Osmeña earlier said that he is negotiating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the widening of the 500-meter F. Sotto Road across the Asilo de la Milagrosa..

Initially, DPWH Secretary  Rogelio Singson said he would do a technical survey for the proposal to  widen the two-lane road to four lanes so this could be used for two-way traffic.

Rama said he has been consistent in his stand favoring road widening  to  address traffic congestion  and not add more massive flyovers.

If road widening doesn’t work,  that would be the time for government to look for other options.

Rama said the F. Sotto road widening must only come after the widening of Gov. Cuenco Street in the northern corridor.

“The property along the Banilad corridor is ready for widening. The only problem is money for the payment of the lot owners,” he said.

Osmeña said he is also looking for funds for a second underpass to be built ear the city-owned Block 10 at the North Reclamation Area.

He also announced that the P150 million rehabilitation  project of the South Road Properties (SRP) road network is also being developed.

Rama reiterated the need to come up with a master plan that would serve as guide on what infrastructure projects to be implemented in the city.

But he lamented that his P75 million proposed budget for the creation of six master plans was disapproved by the city council.

Rama is also calling for a series of discussion with various sectors on what the city actually needs.

“Discussion is always a better means towards a better solution,” he said. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

FARMER  KILLED OVER CARD GAME

A HEATED argument over a card game resulted in the death of a 23-year-old farmer in barangay Agbanga, Asturia, Cebu Sunday night.

Another farmer was wounded.  The suspect surrendered to the barangay captain.

Police identified the fatality as Ariel Diamada while his companion, 33-year-old  Nicolas Garo, sustained wounds in his chest and left arm.

Carlito Malaay, 49,  later surrendered to  Agbanga Barangay Captain Alaison Bustillo.

Police investigation revealed that Diamada, Garo and Malaay were playing a card game called “tong-its” near a small store.

Garo told the police that they complained because Malaay wanted to continue playing even if he didn’t have enough money to bet.  They stopped playing after the owner of the store, Napoleon Mag-aso told them that he will be closing.

Malaay left ahead and after a couple of minutes, Garo and Diamada followed.

Garo said Malaay waylaid them as they headed home. Malaay hacked Garo but he managed to run towards their house despite his wounds.

Garo’s wife brought him to the Balamban Provincial Hospital and had his wounds treated.

Barangay Captain Bustillo looked for Diamada and found his body floating in the river around 500 meters from sari-sari store at 5a.m. yesterday.

Diamada had multiple wounds in the back and shoulders and his neck was almost severed.  Police said they have no witnesses since it was dark at the time.

Malaay is now detained at the Asturias police stockade.  Complaints of murder and attempted murder will be filed against him.  Correspondent Rhea Ruth V. Rosell