Ricky Poca
I never gave attention to Cebu City’s garbage problem, but then my friends told me about the worsening problem of uncollected garbage in the city streets.
I wonder why we have uncollected garbage when the mayor announced before that it is a priority of his administration.
His idea was to rehabilitate the Inayawan landfill, but the Court of Appeals ruled against that. And based on the administration’s moves, it won’t be long for someone to go to the CA and ask the court to declare the mayor in contempt of court for defying its writ of kalikasan ruling.
Councilor Joey Daluz III asserted that Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña wants to operate the closed landfill as a garbage processor. But the CA decision was very clear on prohibiting dumping of garbage in the landfill or any related activities.
One must remember that former mayor Michael Rama closed the dumpsite because it has already become dangerous to the city and the residents of the area.
Former environment secretary Gina Lopez even announced that she is recommending for the closure of the dumpsite after ocular inspection. The Department of Health (DOH) also stated that the dumpsite posed health risks to the communities.
Councilor Joel Garganera should initiate action against the mayor at the court, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and DOH because he filed the petition for writ of kalikasan against the city government.
The city should seek the Court of Appeals’ permission to rehabilitate the dumpsite or operate it as a garbage processor. It should also seek the DENR’s permission and comply with the requirements that the DENR wants implemented if the city is to rehabilitate the dumpsite.
Many are wondering why the mayor is insisting on operating the Inayawan dumpsite again when it is no longer viable for its use and purpose and poses danger to the safety and health of the people.
It is best for the mayor to solve the problem of uncollected garbage before he ventures on something big like operating the landfill.
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Former Mayor Mike Rama as city councilor? Interesting but is the former mayor interested in the position?
In my recent talk with Rama, he said he is more focused in his projects as a Rotarian and clearing his name after being named by the president as a illegal drug protector.
I can sense that in our conversation he has lost his appetite for public office as he is also enjoying his retirement and is supporting Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella to run as mayor in the 2019 elections. And I am happy to see the mayor more relaxed and healthier.