Rama: Almendras can help me on projects

THE appointment of Rene Almendras as head of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) will give Cebu officials closer contact with  Malacañnang, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said yesterday.

The mayor said he now has a channel to  reach President Benigno Aquino directly in case his critics, including Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district, block his programs.

Rama, who chairs the Regional Development Council, said Almendras could help local officials like him reach Cabinet secretaries to address  concerns like the construction of the Carbon Market Unit II.

“This is a positive development for the city of Cebu.  If I have  a problem I can call him,” Rama said.

Rama clashed with Osmeña, former congressman Raul del Mar and his daughter, Rep. Rachel del Mar of Cebu City’s north district over new  flyover projects  they want to pursue.  A moratorium was declared and the issue was elevated to the President’s attention last year.

Rama said that since Almendras is a fair and equitable person, he will be able to perform his job as PMS head.

Rama said he knew Almendras’s appointment to the PMS was  forthcoming.

Rama said he talked to Almendras two months ago and told him his appointment as energy secretary was already a step towards something even bigger.

He said he called up Almendras to congratulate him on his promotion.

Almendras will be replaced as energy secretary by former Leyte governor Jerico Petilla.

Rama atold Cebu Daily News that the RDC 7 is dsicussing with local power providers and will submit its proposals to cut down power costs to Petilla.

Rama said he knew Almendras since early 2001   as president of Cebu Holidngs Inc. who helped  start the  Balik Cebu tourism program to welcome balikbayans during the Sinulog. /Correspondent Edison delos Angeles