Saturday, November 25, 2006 Nalzaro: Tom and Mary: put your acts together By Bobby Nalzaro Saksi
IF Mayor Tomas Osmena wants to help the residents in Barangay Lahug who might be displaced by the move of Capitol to recover a Province-owned lot under Ordinance 93-1, he should help them without imposing any condition and should stop playing politics. The mayor threatened not to help the affected residents if they opt to choose their barangay captain, Mary Ann Delos Santos, to negotiate on their behalf.
Delos Santos, a staunch supporter of Tomas’ political nemesis former Mayor Alvin Garcia, has intervened and tried to negotiate with Gov. Gwen Garcia on behalf of the affected residents. Delos Santos has appealed to the governor to allow the residents to buy the lots they are occupying for humanitarian consideration. But Garcia denied the request, saying she will be remiss of her duties and responsibilities of protecting the Province’s rights and properties if she gives in to the request.
The Province is working to recover its properties located in the various parts of the city, most of which are prime lots ideal for commercial purposes.
Capitol plans to dispose of the properties to interested private companies for development. These lots were offered to the beneficiaries at very minimal price as on-site relocation under Ordinance 93-1 during the time of then governor Vicente ‘Tingting’ Dela Serna. The lots include the residential areas in Barangays Luz, Camputhaw, Banilad and Lahug.
The Cebu City Government is negotiating with the Province for a possible land swap deal so the occupants on the lots will not be displaced. Cebu City Hall has offered its lot at the North Reclamation Area and the Cebu City Medical Center as part of the value-for-value deal. But upon knowing that Delos Santos was also negotiating in behalf of the Lahug residents, Tomas made them choose between him and Delos Santos as their ‘savior’.
For me, the mayor is acting like a child. He should not do that. He is the father of the City and he should protect and help his constituents regardless of their political affiliation. He should not play politics on this issue. Why not invite Delos Santos to a dialogue so they can put their acts together? Delos Santos should also set aside political differences or swallow her pride and reach out to Mayor Osmeña for the same intention.
Tomas has the upper hand in this negotiation because he can offer a package for possible exchange deal. Mary Ann is only using ‘humanitarian consideration’ with the hope of touching the heart of Garcia. But if you are Garcia, what will you choose, human consideration or money?
