Bring back the nightmare?

THE coastal road project hit a snag because informal settlers haven’t moved out due to failure of the city government to relocate them. But according to city social welfare chief Teddy Sabugaa, the city government is really doing something to relocate these people. In fact, 10 hectares have already been identified for purchase. It’s the city council majority that is blocking the move by not giving the mayor authority to buy it. Why is the majority doing this?

Several weeks ago, a city official invited me for coffee. Among other revelations (kuno) was that, this administration is buying lands at overpriced rate. He promised to show me documents as proof which remains a promise. Lately, as reported by Gold Star Daily, Councilor Alexander Dacer alleged “that there was attempt to overprice a 10-hectare property in Lumbia.” If this is the same property Mr. Sabugaa mentioned during COPC’s Medikonek program, then an attempt does not constitute a crime yet.

Overpricing is not new. It’s been happening from one administration to another because nobody has been serious in pursuing a no-nonsense investigation to ferret out the truth. Editor-in-chief Herbie Gomez made a point by asking: Why is there a need to buy 10 hectares when former mayor Dongkoy Emano bought an over 60 hectares in Calaanan from the Roas-Pascual during his first three years as mayor of the city? He asked: Where is the Calaanan property now? Why not use it? Wasn’t it bought for relocation purposes?

Incidentally, wasn’t the Calaanan deal marred by allegations of overpricing? In fairness to Mayor Moreno, the city council majority should stop blocking what the executive is trying to do. They can always scrutinize the records which I am sure the majority won’t have any problem of doing. Blocking every move of the mayor will not ensure the return of their boss. By exposing Moreno’s alleged anomalies, if there is any, the city council majority might be thinking they could convince the electorate to bring back Dongkoy. But that would be bringing back the nightmare of Cagayanons that was Dongkoy.
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During the Mediakonek, I put it on record that the problem of San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish has been relayed to Mr. Sabugaa. If something happens there, Teddy should answer for it, he being a member of the City Mining Regulatory Board (CMRB).
Weather forecasts sent via PIA (Philippine Information Agency) include possible landslides which gives me the creeps because I personally took pictures of the site. It’s worse today. It can already be seen from the road. Take heed, Clenro!
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Whether it was his personal opinion or the Oro Chamber’s, Engr. Cerael Donggay’s view on the proposed P4.8-billion budget target of the Moreno administration is valid. But he should take the cudgels for the taxpayers by also demanding transparency on the part of the city government on its expenditures.

We cannot and should not just sit back and ask no questions on how taxes are being spent just because school buildings and others were built. It’s been repeated again and again: “Maayo na lang si Moreno kay nay agi.” If that is valid, then it was wrong to oust Marcos because he did a lot for the country during his time, according to his loyal supporters until today.

Remember that for every project, there is allegedly something for the approving government official/s. If only we are seeing the Full Disclosure Policy being practiced here, I will go with Donggay in supporting the proposed budget.