Democracy demands consultation

Many are asking what law the national government, specifically the Department of Public Works Highways (DPWH), is banking on in implementing infrastructure projects without consulting the local government unit and local stakeholders.

This is what has been happening in Cebu City where flyovers are planned and implemented without even informing or consulting the city government.

The controversy over plans to build flyovers in the city amounting to roughly P901 million has revived.

The Movement for a Livable Cebu (MLC) once again is objecting to the rise of at least three flyovers in the city which are not the only solution to traffic congestion.

One wonders why the Del Mars are still pushing for these projects.

A public official told me recently that studies show the flyover is not the most needed infrastructure in the city but an anti-flood infrastructure project because if it rains, water from Mandaue City flows directly to Cebu City.

He asked the DPWH about the possibility of a budget outlay for an anti-flooding project but was told there was no money because it has been allocated for flyover projects.

The flyover projects are anti-poor because they do not benefit the poor who have no cars. The national government should seriously consider this matter if it wants to be relevant to people in Cebu City.

I think it’s proper for the DPWH in Central Visayas to pursue road widening instead of flyovers just as they are doing in a stretch of barangay Mabolo where they are consulting and considering the inputs of residents.

I am happy that the DPWH-7 is consulting the people about road widening. The people will cooperate because it is for the good of the city.

Now why does the DPWH consult stakeholders when it comes to road widening and refuse to consult them when it comes to the construction of flyovers?

The DPWH should always consult stakeholders because that is the essence of good governance. The same goes for congressmen in Cebu City and province.

* * *

Today the Senate Impeachment Court will issue a decision regarding Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The main issue is s whether or not Corona should be removed for not fully disclosing his assets in the Sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).

From his own account, Corona has four dollar accounts worth at least $2.4 million and a peso account worth at least P80 million. Both were not disclosed in his SALN.

Corona justified not mentioning these deposits saying he believed that his dollar accounts are covered by the secrecy provision of the Foreign Currency Deposits Act and the pesos were commingled funds, including money from the Basa-Guidote Enterprises, Inc. and his wife.

It is hoped that the Impeachment Court will decide the case on its merits and not based on partisan political positions.