I think it’s proper for the Cebu city government to relocate the City Link terminal from the Natalio Bacalso highway to a practical and convenient location for commuters. Mayor Michael Rama said he is inclined to relocate it near the South Road Properties, far from the busy downtown area and the Cebu City Medical Center.
I was one of those who had reservations about building the City Link terminal beside a hospital, which would make the environment not conducive for a hospital. Now that the operator of City Link is hinting that it is no longer interested to continue operating the terminal, it would be a good opportunity for the city to relocate it near near the SRP and use the vacant area for the possible expansion of the city hospital. The medical center is already congested with patients.
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The controversy over plans to build a cemetery in the Osmeña Shrine in barangay Kalunasan can be put to rest if city officials sit down with those who would be affected by the decision of then mayor Tommy Osmeña to donate the property as a cemetery site of a Protestant church. I think we should not lose sight of the importance of participatory democracy in Cebu City. The fact that people are vigilant, especially in the flyover debate, is a sign that Osmeña and the city government can’t afford to ignore the sentiments of stakeholders.
It is but proper for the city government to review the conditions of the deed of donation of the province of Cebu and the city government and whether a subsequent donation to a private entity is valid.
The problem with Osmeña is that he decides to do something without much consultation with affected residents, who are now opposing the move. Why can’t officials consult the people about changes that would affect them?
Mayor Rama’s decision to earmark a budget to develop the Osmeña Shrine into a public park is a pro-active action. I think he knows that the donation would not prosper. I also support Rama’s program to establish public parks in the city for children to play and for families to have a place to bond. As a matter of fact, it is lamentable that Cebu City, a premier city, has no recreational parks for people to freely gather.
I believe the city government should establish more open parks for people to be able to walk around, and spend free time with their families. I am recommending that part of Camp Lapu-Lapu, with the approval of Gov. Gwen Garcia, be converted into a park.
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Now that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is taking advantage of President Aquino’s policy against an all-out war against them, it would be good for the president to order a hot pursuit of those who ambushed government soldiers in Mindanao. We need to seek justice for those who were murdered.
The president is in favor of going after the malefactors who performed such dastardly and cowardly acts. I think it is crucial for the MILF to know that they can’t abuse the kindness of of the president.