Rama vetoes moratorium on Citi Center demolition

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama vetoed an ordinance passed by the City Council last Jan. 31 that sought a moratorium on the planned demolition of the Citi Center complex in barangay Kamagayan.

In a Feb. 13 letter addressed to Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young, Rama said a moratorium is tantamount to “sabotaging” his plans to have the area developed into a housing site for City Hall employees.

Rama said the ordinance authored by Councilor Alvin Dizon “is so crafted by the council” as to “deliberately encroach, invade and intrude” on his authority as mayor.

Rama mentioned in his veto letter the discovery that some Citi Center occupants were doing business in the area without paying rent to the city government.

He said the area compromised public safety after it became a haven to illegal activities.

Rama also denied the council’s accusation that his administration failed to consult with the 300 families who now occupy the area.

“Due notices have been given them and that relocation sites have been accorded to qualified persons. Instead the occupants elevated the matter to the courts through a petition for injunction which was later denied,” Rama said.

Rama said he already prepared a development plan on the use of the Citi Center Complex.

He said the site can  provide decent housing to Cebu City government employees and “revitalize legitimate business activities” in the area. Correspondent Edison delos Angeles