Governor-elect Hilario Davide III has challenged tourism stakeholders to prepare well for two big events that would put Cebu on the world stage. Meanwhile, the Philippine government is eyeing 10 million foreign tourist arrivals and 56 million local travelers.
I think Davide is correct in issuing the challenge. Our Mactan Cebu International Airport should shape up for this. Many, myself included, have noticed that the airconditioning system at the airport is not working well. I am therefore asking airport manager Paul Villarete to immediately look into this and have the air conditioner restored to full capacity.
In the same manner, the conflict between the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) and Cebu City government about the CPA’s fencing of a lot near the old Maritima building should be resolved immediately. The two government agencies should work together instead of fighting each other. After all, both are working for the interest of the people unless partisan politics is a factor.
I can’t fathom why two government agencies are quarreling about jurisdiction over this lot near the port instead of cooperating. It seems ownership of the land is still a question and the city government is asserting its jurisdiction. It is best that they sit down and discuss this matter in a amicable manner in the interest of the city.
I hope our government officials shall be reasonable and broad-minded in dealing with each other.
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In less than one week new government officials in Cebu will assume office. People are excited to see changes in the way local government units are run. Much is expected of Governor-elect Jun Jun Davide, Talisay City Mayor Johnny de lost Reyes, reelected Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, Toledo City Mayor elect John Henry Osmeña and others.
In the case of Cebu City, the bigger issue is the non-renewal of contracts of casual employees who are considered Bando Osmeña – Pundok Kauswagan loyalists. Some are contesting the plan of the mayor not to renew the contracts when they expire on June 30.
During his three-year term, Mayor Rama found some employees uncooperative because they belong to the other party. They were given a chance to prove themselves and work with his administration but apparently they believed that their patron, Tommy Osmeña, would win and come back. That’s why they gave the mayor a hard time at City Hall.
I can’t blame the mayor if he wishes to put his own loyal men in City Hall so that he would no longer encounter the problems he endured during the first term. Let’s give the mayor a free hand to choose those who will work with his new team.
In his s econd term, Rama wants to implement high impact projects and needs employees who share his vision. The mayor will still face a combative BO-PK-dominated city council, but with the leadership of Vice Mayor-elect Edgar Labella we may find a tamer council willing to cooperate with the mayor for the interest of the people.
Another political phenomenon is the sweet victory of Sonny Osmeña in Toledo City over the political family that ruled the place for years. Sony O promised to make drastic changes in Toledo City. I think he can do it, as his track record would reveal. Governor-elect Davide is expected to register a 180-degree difference in the Capitol and be the opposite of his predecessor, Gwen Garcia. We expect to see moral leadership like that of his father Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.