Tom says projects cannot be sacrificed, says Church can sell property

Opponents of the flyover projects in Cebu City gained some support in their campaign from Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, something which city officials like Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district dismissed as inconsequential.

“I can understand if he (Palma) expresses sympathy for the nuns but that doesn’t mean there will be no flyover. We cannot sacrifice the welfare of the greater good for the sake of the privacy of the nuns,” said the former mayor, who supported the flyover projects.

In a text message to Cebu Daily News, Palma said he will consult with the other priests in the Archdiocese on their position in the flyover projects.

“My personal take: I am not in favor. No space to explain. But I plan to consult priests too,” Palma said.

Osmeña, who accused Mayor Michael Rama of trying to divert the budget for the flyover projects for his own programs, said if Palma wanted to help he should help prepare a master plan.

“Anyone can do that, (Mayor) Michael Rama doesn’t want to do it he only wants to talk about it…I need to know if they are talking as traffic experts or are they speaking their personal opinion or are they speaking on behalf of God? Let’s make it clear,” Osmeña said.

Last Saturday about 50 people, including Mayor Rama, joined nuns of the Asilo dela Milagrosa in a candle-lit prayer walk at dawn to signify their opposition to the construction of a flyover in Gorordo Avenue, one of two projects to be built in the city.

Sell the property

Parishioners voiced fears that a 3.7-meter setback marked on the wall of the Asilo dela Milagrosa building would result in damaging part of a garden-grotto, parking lot, guardhouses and crisis intervention center.

They said this would also push the boundary wall up to the main door of the 50-year-old church, thus destroying its heritage value and the “solemnity” of their Masses.

Rep. Rachel del Mar of Cebu City’s north district, whose father Raul del Mar pushed for the projects during his stint as congressman, said she asked officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) not to let the flyover construction affect the church.

Osmeña said a barrier can be set up to protect the church’s privacy.

He also said Church officials can sell the property and use the money to build facilities somewhere else.

“That’s no longer functioning as a school anyway. (Asilo Dela Milagrosa) used to be a school before, that’s not functioning anymore. That’s a very big property, why don’t they sell it and use the money to help the poor?,” the congressman told Cebu Daily News.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Young, who also came out in support of the flyover projects, also said Palma is merely stating his opinion on the issue.

Validation

Palma’s statement came as organizers of the Stop Cebu Flyovers Movement said they will seek discernment from clergy leaders in their lobbying for public support in their campaign.

Joel Lee said they will seek an audience with Palma and archbishop emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal for enlightenment   on their campaign.

“Their involvement raises the topic that we’re after the common good. This is a validation on how significant the topic is,” he said.

The group is opposed to the construction of a flyover in the juncture of MJ Cuenco and Gorordo Avenue.

Members of the Stop Cebu Flyover Movement including church and business stakeholders visited Palma last Sept. 8 in the Archbishop’s residence.

Lee said Palma, incoming president of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) “openly welcomed” their visit.

He said they are not asking for Palma’s stand on the flyovers, but they want to seek his guidance on discerning the issue.

He said they would also schedule another meeting with Palma as they continue to seek for his guidance.

“He’s the leader of the spiritual community. His statement would speak on behalf of the Catholics in Cebu. We just ask them to lead the dialogue, discussions and discernment on the issue. We are not trying to insist our point of view,” Lee said.

He said they also want to meet with the proponents of the flyover project, including Rep. del Mar and DPWH officials.

“As public officials, why can’t they openly discuss this matter? The DPWH is not competent to make urban planning. This is what people need to understand,” he said. /Candeze R. Mongaya and Edison delos Angeles