‘Urban poor office needs 40 workers to update records’

THE head of the Department for the Welfare of the Urban Poor will need 40-job order workers for seven months for an allocation of close to P1 million.

Collin Rossell, DWUP head, told the councilors during the Cebu City Council session on Wednesday that these job- order workers would revalidate and update the city’s records on the implementation of its urban poor housing programs, which now benefits at least 15,000 families.

Collin, who appeared at the session to explain his proposal, was also asked about reports of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama using DWUP personnel for his reelection plans.

Osmeña read to Rosell a report by Rama’s consultant Leonardo Chui, which said that Chui already coordinated with Rosell on the implementation of DWUP projects that would help Rama’s reelection. Chui is Rama’s speech writer and political analyst.

Rosell told the council that he could not confirm Chui’s report.

Chui’s report addressed to Rama was mistakenly attached to documents that were submitted to the council to seek renewal of his consultancy contract.

But the council refused to act on the proposed renewal of Chui’s contract. Instead, they had it tabled.

Rama laughed when sought for comment on the content of Chui’s report.

He said Rosell addressed the council’s query properly.

Rama said that he wouldn not intend to use DWUP or any other government office for his reelection.

“Remember ni abot ko sa pagka mayor nga wala ang DWUP,” he said.

Rama said his policy remains that City hall employees who would opt to campaign for any candidate would be asked to either take a leave of absence during the election period or resign.

He also ordered a City Hall lawyer to investigate alleged money-making activities of some DWUP personnel.

However, he said he does not want to spend much time in an investigation that could get in the way in the implementation of the city’s housing programs.

“I never said that I will never run after anyone (who tried to earn money from their government position), but one should not be spending much time in the investigation and disregard the implementation of our programs,” he said.

Rama said he was also open to Rosell’s proposal to make DWUP into a department so that it could get a better office space.

Rama said he would discuss the proposal when he meets Rosell to ask for update on the implementation of the city’s housing program. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac