YELLOW ribbons literally flooded the main thoroughfares of Mati as a sign of their undying hope for the Supreme Court to reverse its earlier decision nullifying its cityhood and that of 15 other new cities.

Light posts in downtown area were tied with yellow ribbons as well as various establishments. Mati employees led by Mayor Michelle Rabat also pin yellow ribbon in their clothes.

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"The yellow ribbon signifies hope for the people of Mati in our pursuit for cityhood. We pray and hope for the eventual reversion of the decision," Rabat said.

Mati Administrator Richard Villacorte said rather than using red as a sign of their protest, they find yellow more appropriate for their quest for cityhood.

He said like in the proverbial song "Tie a Yellow Ribbon", Matiños are also waiting for the return of their cityhood which was taken away by the SC decision.

The yellow ribbon campaign is also conducted in the 15 other new cities affected by the same decision.

The "League of 16", named after the 16 cities affected by the High Court decision, has already hired the legal services of former solicitor general Estelito Mendoza to represent their group in the motion for reconsideration they filed against the SC decision.

The League of 16 is still hoping for a reversion since the justices vote 6-5 in favor of the nullification. Many say that such a tight decision can still be reversed if the appellants play their cards right.

The 16 assailed cityhoods are Baybay in Leyte province; Bogo in Cebu; Catbalogan in Samar; Tandag in Surigao Del Sur; Borongan in Eastern Samar; Tayabas in Quezon; Lamitan in Basilan; Tabuk in Kalinga; Bayugan in Agusan Del Sur; Batac in Ilocos Norte; Mati in Davao Oriental; Guihulngan in Negros Oriental; Cabadbaran in Agusan Del Norte; Carcar in Cebu; El Salvador in Misamis Oriental; and Naga in Cebu province.

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(December 5, 2008 issue)
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