Rama open to discuss 93-1 issue resolution with Davide

THERE won’t be any problem in relations between Cebu City Hall and the Capitol as far as re-elected Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is concerned.

Rama said he was prepared to work with Cebu Governor-elect Hilario Davide III to resolve the status of  5,000  occupants of city lots covered by  Provincial Ordinance 93-1.

“Klaro na man na ang resolution sa 93-1. Daghan lang ang nag apil apil (The resolution of the problem on 93-1 is clear. There are only a lot of people meddling),” he said.

The mayor was referring to the land-swap proposal pushed by outgoing Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district that was supported by his allies in the City Council.

Rama, however, supported the position of suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to pursue new land purchase agreements with 93-1 lot occupants.

He said the land swap proposal was already out of the question.

Rama, then Cebu City vice mayor, opposed a previous land swap deal pushed by Osmeña which involves allocating a portion of the North Reclamation Area (NRA) near the SM Mall to the Capitol in exchange for the 93-1 lots.

The deal broke down after Rama issued his “dawat limpyo ” remark in reference to the land swap deal during a City Council session.

The remark offended Garcia and soured relations between her and then mayor Osmeña.

With Davide’s election, Rama wouldn’t say if he would agree to another solution to the 93-1 lot problem.

“Like the way I’ve been willing to work with (acting governor) Agnes (Magpale), I can also work with anyone including Davide,” he said.

Davide and Rama used to work in the Cebu City Council with Davide then the number one councilor in Cebu City’s north district.

Davide resigned to run for governor but lost to Garcia in 2010.

The suspended governor was elected congresswoman of Cebu’s 3rd district in the May 13 polls, replacing her younger brother Rep. Pablo John Garcia who lost to Davide.

Rep. Osmeña said earlier that he’s willing to advise Davide on how to run a local government unit “but only if I will be asked to.”

Rama said he won’t mind if Osmeña would serve as one of the governor’s advisors.

“Wala man gyud koy problema ana basta (I don’t have any problem with that so long as) he (Osmeña) will be there to enhance public service.  If you really love Cebu you will work hard for what is best for Cebu. Loving Cebu will not mean destroying it or anything,” he said. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac