In a radio dyLA interview, Winston criticized Osmeña for poor traffic planning and infrastructure development in the city, which he said is on the verge of “choking to death.”
He, however, did not elaborate on what roads he referred to or what infrastructure the City needs to set up.
Garcia said that because of its debts, Cebu City is going bankrupt and failing to deliver social services to its constituents.
“Subo palandomon nga daghang serbisyo dili mahatag tungod nauna ang bayad sa City sa reclamation (South Road Properties) nga walay hinungdan (It’s disheartening that services cannot be delivered because the priority is paying for the debts from a reclamation project that has proven to be worthless),” he said.
“Mauwawan ta. Premier city, hugaw, traffic kaayo (It’s embarrassing for a premier city to be so dirty and traffic-prone….I hope the City Government can do something,” he added.
Garcia also warned Osmeña that his “arrogance” will cost him his political aspirations, similar to what happened to former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña, the mayor’s cousin.
Sonny Osmeña lost his bid to regain a Senate seat last May 14. He also lost in 2004.
Garcia challenged Vice Mayor Michael Rama to show independence by taking a clear stand on the issues besetting the city if he wants to be mayor come 2010.
In an earlier interview, Osmeña had said the City is selling 30 hectares of the South Road Properties (SRP), and the money generated would be enough to pay off its debt for the year.
The City would also have enough funds to create a new barangay, which will be populated by squatters relocated from other areas of the city.
Speaking before some 60 of Cebu City’s 80 barangay captains last Saturday, Osmeña said that the Ayala Group of Companies already “signified its intention to participate in the bidding.”
He said proceeds of the sale will be “enough to pay the loans.” (RHM)
