Mayor to explain side; Mike snubbed by Tomas at fiesta
The demolition of structures in Mahiga Creek, barangay Mabolo, will continue despite death threats and the opposition of Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district and his allies at the Cebu City Council.
Mayor Michael Rama reiterated this even as he was snubbed by his predecessor during yesterday’s fiesta celebration at barangay Mabolo.
The two shared a table during the fiesta but didn’t speak to each other.
A “cold war” of sorts is brewing between Rama and Osmeña who are at odds over the mayor’s handling of the ongoing demolition of structures at the Mahiga Creek.
Rama said he will explain his side in today’s press conference.
Tension hung heavy in the air as erstwhile allies Osmeña and Rama attended yesterday’s fiesta celebration in barangay Mabolo.
Osmeña previously criticized Rama for not providing relocation and aid to the displaced settlers.
Widening gap
The mayor was adamant that no relocation nor assistance would be provided to the affected families.
Any doubts on the widening gap between the two officials were erased with their separate appearances at yesterday’s Mabolo fiesta celebration.
“It felt a little awkward to see them inside the barangay hall and not exchange greetings or words even if they sat and dined on the same round table. It is most awkward for me since I invited them and I am the host,” said Mabolo barangay captain Rey Ompoc.
Vice Mayor Augustus “Joy” Young came first together with City Councilor Edgardo Labella.
They were followed by Councilors Augustus Pe Jr., Alvin Arcilla and Leah Japson Ouano.
At 11:30 a.m., Rep. Tomas Osmeña and his wife Councilor Margot Osmeña arrived followed by former congressman Raul del Mar.
Rama arrived alone 20 minutes later and sat on the table where Osmeña and the councilors sat. “They never talked,” Ompoc said.
Political color
Minutes later Osmeña’s group stood up and left Rama and Japson on the table.
“I hope you won’t put any political color in this gathering. I came here for the fiesta and let’s keep it that way,” Rama told Cebu Daily News.
In an earlier interview, Rama said he won’t comment on the case filed against him by the Mahiga Creek settlers before the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas to avoid subjudice.
“Let’s just wait on the outcome of this one. In the next few days and years, we will let our actions and deeds answer all the criticisms and bickering they have thrown unto us,” Rama told CDN.
The mayor said he was merely implementing an ordinance banning illegal structures in rivers and creeks.
The ordinance was authored by former councilor and gubernatorial candidate Hilario Davide III.
“Way back in 2006, after the incident in Sindulan where the whole family died of flood, an ordinance was passed to tear down these illegal structures.” Rama said.
‘Easy for them to say’
The mayor said he will present documents in today’s press conference to support his case on the Mahiga Creek demolitions.
Rama also dismissed Osmeña’s challenge for him to “pick on someone his own size” instead of the settlers in reference to him.
“It’s easy for them (Osmeña and the council) to say that because that is their side but you must remember that this problem existed even during their time. It’s easy to criticize someone,” the mayor said.
Alvin Santillana, chief of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said he was threatened by settlers when he visited the creek two weeks ago.
“Some people in the crowd issued those threats to me and I didn’t take it lightly but never told the media about it. Instead I went to Cebu City Police Director Ramon Melvin Buenafe,” Santillana said.
In response, Buenafe contacted the Mabolo police precinct to deploy personnel in the area.
Rama said the demolitions will continue. “We can’t let fear stop us from what we are doing,” the mayor said.
