A bigger hospital needed

Last week, the legislative bodies of  local government units started organizing their different standing committees.

In Cebu province, all  members of the Provincial Board were given  committee chairmanships and membership regardless of  party affiliation. It seems that in the Capitol,  all elected officials are committed to work together and  set aside partisanship of the May elections.

Apparently officials of  One Cebu party have accepted the fact that they are no longer the administration party or the majority in the board.  There was no tyranny of  numbers shown by the  new majority.

In Cebu City the opposite is happening. The majority bloc kept out  two members of the opposition or Team Rama from membership in any committe – Councilor Mary Ann de los  Santos and Dave Tumulak.

When the majority was asked about the situation, the  BO-PK dominated council justified this saying  they in fact appointed Councilors James Cuenco and Hans Abella as chairmen of committees. But  why are de los Santos and Tumulak not assigned as members in any committee?

Apparently  BO-PK councilors were getting instruction from their party head, former Congressman Tommy Osmeña who we all know doesn’t like delos Santos and Tumulak.  So actions of  BO-PK councilors reflect  the attitude of their boss here.  Delos Santos and Tumulak must realize that this is  part of harsh political realities. They may have lost in this round but I know that they will redeem themselves in the coming sessions of the city council and will be proven worthy of the votes of the people.

Mayor Mike Rama explained his program of government  in his inaugural address before the City Council. The legislators  through Councilor Margot Osmeña  said these were  grand programs but asked where  the funds would  come from.

The mayor said he envisions  expanding  the Cebu City Medical Center to the lot occupied by the fire department and maybe the  area occupied by the Citilink terminal. I think it’s appropriate to expand the city hospital with the growing population and more people needing medical services.

The Citilink terminal from the very beginning has been out of place  beside a hospital. It’s noisy and produces vehicle fumes. I think the city should no longer renew its contract with Citilink and put the property to better use.

A satellite hospital in the mountain barangay  of Bonbon is a welcome move.  For medical emergencies, hinterland residents no longer have to go down to the city.

The mayor said he is hopeful of  prospects  of the South Reclamation Properties (SRP) especially that the resolution of the council to bar the mayor from marketing and selling the SRP has already lapsed.  The resolution was valid up to 2013 only.  The councilors thought Rama would not win reelection.

Now the mayor may renew his initiative to  sell SRP lots and use the proceeds to fund  his programs.  Drainage is one project that must be supported  by the council. To benefit communities in flood-prone areas. I hope the project is realized.