|
Thursday, June 09, 2005
No let up for Cebu mayor vs Talisaynons
By Garry A. Cabotaje and Gingging A. Campaña
CEBU CITY -- The issue now is no longer about the city's political leaders, but the relentless persecution of Talisay City and its people, a Talisay official said.
Talisay City Administrator and Legal Officer Aurora Econg said these following reports that the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) has singled out the jeepney and taxi drivers of Talisay City for them to pay traffic fines in full.
The taxi and jeepney drivers are the latest "victims" of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña's wrath, which stems from the claim of Talisay City over 53.44 hectares of the South Reclamation Project (SRP).
But Osmeña believes that an ordinance authorizing him to grant discounts in the penalties of erring drivers need not be passed, "as I was told that it is my prerogative as mayor."
Section 192 of the Local Government Code, however, provides that local government units, "through ordinances duly approved, (can) grant tax exemptions, incentives or relief under such terms and conditions they may deem necessary."
Osmeña said he will only give discounts to erring drivers from Talisay City if they "get rid of (Representative Eduardo) Gullas."
Pay fines
"Let Gullas pay for their fines. If the officials love them, let them demonstrate their love by paying for the fines."
Citom Executive Director Arnel Tancinco said an ordinance granting the relief for drivers who have committed traffic violations is not needed, as this authority is vested in the mayor as the adjudicating officer.
Tancinco also said Citom has long been granting "discounts" to erring drivers who have accumulated fines since 1987.
Drivers who are Cebu City residents, in securing a clearance to renew their Citom ID, are allowed to pay only 10 percent of their accumulated fines. Those who are living outside the city, except those from Talisay City, are granted 50 percent discount.
"No discount for Talisay drivers. I've told them already not to expect cooperation from Cebu City," the mayor said.
Appeal
In reaction, Econg said: "The issue is no longer about Congressman Gullas and Mayor Fernandez, but Talisay City.
Will the Talisaynons allow the sovereignty and dignity of the City to be trampled upon by the vindictiveness of a non-Talisaynon?"
Econg said it's very unfair for Osmeña to prosecute innocent Talisaynons whose only fault is their being Talisay City residents.
As a gesture of peace and humility, the Talisay City Council unanimously passed a resolution guaranteeing the security of the SRP investors' money, she said.
"If they finally get the SRP patent, then Talisay City will not question it. What more do they want from us?" Econg added.
Some former casual workers of Cebu City Hall also asked Councilor Gabriel Leyson for help so they could keep their jobs.
Osmeña earlier decided to dismiss 77 casual workers because they live in Talisay.
Spared
Osmeña said he only reconsidered less than 10 of the dismissed Talisay City casuals "on a case-to-case basis" but reiterated that he'd rather prioritize his constituents in Cebu City.
"The issue is that they have been working for 13 years for Cebu City and Cebu City has accommodated them for 13 years but it's not appreciated by the leaders of Talisay City. Why will I give them another 13 years? It's not a right. They think it's a right?" the mayor said.
He spared employees who are from Talisay and have been doing a good job for Cebu City. They are Acting City Health Officer Myrna Cabugao, City Civil Registrar and Assistant City Attorney Evangeline Abatayo and Market Administrator Elpidio dela Victoria. (Sun.Star Cebu/Sunnex)
(June 9, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Gary says tape voice 'like mine'