Vidal pushes for flyover dialogue

Parties in the flyover debate  should sit down and thresh out their differences in a dialogue, a semi-retired church leader said yesterday.

“There should be a public dialogue between the proponents and the public so that they would listen to  each other. That’s what I would wish,” Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said in a GMA-7 interview.

Vidal issued his statement amid assurances by Rep. Rachel del Mar of Cebu City’s north district that the flyover projects along MJ Cuenco and Gorordo Avenue won’t affect the Asilo dela Milagrosa.

In a text message to Cebu Daily News, Del Mar said she told  City Engr. Nicomedes Leonor Jr. of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure that the Asilo dela Milagrosa won’t be damaged by the construction of the flyover.

A 3.7-meter setback from the church’s fence would mean destroying part of a grotto, crisis center and parking lot and push the boundary wall to the front door of the church.  The loss of  “solemn” ambience and “historical value” of the church has prompted  nuns of the Asilo dela Milagrosa to start dawn rosary processions to pray for the “enlightenment” of public officials and the community.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, who said he is against the flyover, said he will consult with other priests on the issue. Del Mar said she will ask for a meeting with Palma this week.

Rep. Tomas Osmeña, who supports the flyovers, said while he understands Palma’s stance, the flyover would benefit the majority of Cebu City residents.

He also accused Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama of trying to divert funds for the flyover project to fund his own projects in the city. Multi-media coordinator Marian Z. Codilla