Flyover foes laud Annabelle, but keep distance

WHILE appreciative of her support, a civil society group that opposes the flyover projects in Cebu City reiterated that they want their advocacy to remain apolitical.

Marc Canton, head convenor of the Movement for Livable Cebu (MLC) said they were delighted by talent manager Annabelle Rama’s statement that she is against the construction of the flyover near the Asilo de la Milagrosa church and orphanage.

The flyover, one of several projects being lobbied by Rep. Rachel del Mar and her father, former congressman Raul del Mar, will be built along Gorordo Avenue.

Rama was recently picked by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to run for the city’s northern district.

“Nonetheless, MLC as a group is non-partisan and we cannot openly support candidates for election. It will be up to each member to make this constitutionally protected right to choose the appropriate candidate,” Canton said.

MLC convenor Rudy Alix echoed Canton’s point, saying they remain non-partisan and are not committed to any political party, nor to any politician.

Another MLC convenor, Joel Lee,  said Rama didn’t approach their group.

He said the group “appreciates” any person or group supporting their cause against “poorly planned projects” bereft of a “comprehensive plan,” which violate the Constitution, Local Government Code, and the National Cultural Heritage Act.”

Lee said their group wants to remain free of political influence in their advocacy for participative planning with stakeholders.

Canton said any project should be part of a comprehensive development plan for Cebu.

When asked about her comment on Annabelle’s stance against the flyover project, the lady legislator replied in a text message,

“The issue of the flyovers has already been thoroughly discussed.”

Barangay captains who are allies of the mayor said they were aware of Rama’s offer to Annabelle to run for Congress.

Eliordoro “Yody” Sanchez, barangay captain of Busay, said even without the consultation the mayor has “blanket authority” on whom to pick for their candidates for Congress.

“The group will just support his choice. She’s okay because she’s also a Cebuano,” said Sanchez in reference to Annabelle Rama. Correspondents Tweeny M. Malinao and Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua