IN martial arts, Wikipedia tells us, blocking is the act of stopping or deflecting an opponent's attack for the purpose of preventing injurious contact with the body.
A block usually consists of placing a limb across the line of the attack.
In Cebu City politics, blocking is simply stopping an opponent’s project, whether it’s good or bad for the community.
But certainly, not without good reasons.
***
Reports said Cebu City Hall recently has been blocking some of the proposed projects of south district Rep. Rodrigo “Bebot” Abellanosa.
Among them were the P700-million Stormwater Management and Rapid Traffic (Smart) underpass project along N. Bacalso Ave. corner F. Llamas St., Cebu City and the setting up of a Cebu Technological University (CTU) extension in the upland barangay of Bonbon.
Pericles of Athens, was quoted in the movie “City Hall” as saying, "All things good on this Earth flow into the city, because of the city's greatness.”
He didn’t these “good things” must pass through City Hall first.
***
The block comes when project proponents, like Bebot Abellanosa, bypass City Hall, especially the sitting (or rolling) mayor, Mike Rama.
A letter from the Bonbon barangay captain alleging there was an illegal construction in his barangay made City Hall’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (Probe) team spring into action.
You still wonder why the city has a Probe team? Just see what it prevented?
But listen to what Mayor Mike Rama said. Where can you find a school without a campus, he said.
***
There was when Mayor Mike Rama’s grandiose plans and humungous budget were blocked by the Bando Osmeña-Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK)-dominated City Council.
His plan to sell lots at the South Road Properties was blocked by the council which later on relented.
Now it seems Rama is giving the BOPK a dose of its own medicine.
How the tables are turned.