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Thursday, February 23, 2006
Espinoza: Mayor Osmeña’s confidence
By Elias L. Espinoza
One thing I like in Cebu City Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña is his confidence.
Even with the city’s finances now in shambles because of the huge South Reclamation Project loan repayment, he can still afford to brag. When rumor spread that there will be no elections next year, Osmeña volunteered to have his almost bankrupt city shoulder the expense of holding the polls.
Also, the mayor admitted having inspired the vigilante-style killings that the Catholic Church hierarchy condemned. As my friend would put it, only an Osmeña could do that. In fact, Tomas wants to place Cebu under martial law during the Asean summit here in December to secure the safety of the visiting heads of state and dignitaries.
But look at the city’s streets. Their condition does not reflect the mayor's nature of getting things done his way. I know there are plans to repair these streets, but I suppose this will only happen a month before December. So folks, have patience.
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Anti-Arroyo commentators are trying to link the St. Bernard tragedy to the Arroyo administration. They are insinuating is that President Arroyo is a jinx.
That, of course, is most unfounded.
We can’t blame the President or the St. Bernard farmers for this incident. The landslide, which also happened in other parts of the country, is a reminder for us to care for the environment.
One heartbreaking difference in this disaster is that many of the victims are innocent children and not those who made money by exploiting nature. Let their conscience bother them, though.
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Schaefer and Mandaue City officials launched Tuesday the city’s waste segregation project. Schaefer will provide the city with bins and technology while the city will distribute the bins to the different barangays. The blue bins are for non-biodegradable waste and the yellow bins for biodegradable waste.
Schaefer and the City Government are counting on the cooperation of residents for the success of the project. With this, the City is conducting an education campaign and distributing leaflets to every household. To ensure compliance, it organized Eco Wardens who are deputized to arrest violators.
Endeavors like this needs both the strict enforcement of the law against littering and the wholehearted support and cooperation of the residents.
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In these trying times, there are still honest people. Randy Moredos, driver of Prinshimilee taxi, is one of them.
Late afternoon last Friday, I received a call for help from friend James Matugas.
His son, Jamby, left his Samsung D500 cell phone in the taxicab he took in going to Sto. Niño Village. Without us knowing, Moredos gave the cell phone to the subdivision’s security guard.
To Randy Moredos, may your kind thrive. And may dishonest cab drivers emulate your good deeds.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 23, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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