12 CV congressmen back DPWH-7 Chief Canlas on Cebu road projects

Twelve Central Visayas congressmen have expressed their support on the leadership of the public works Central Visayas director Ador Canlas amidst controversy on the implementation of road projects in Cebu.

The group also set up a meeting with Public Works Secretary Mark Villar on March 14 to further “discuss this matter and other concerns.”

Signatories of the two-page letter to Villar were Cebu Reps. Gerald Anthony Gullas (1st district), Wilfredo Caminero (2nd district), Ramon Durano VI (5th district), Peter John Caldron (7th district), Raul del Mar (Cebu City’s 1st district), Rodrigo Abellanosa (Cebu City’s 2nd district), Aileen Radaza (Lapu-Lapu’s lone district), Jonas Cortes (Mandaue’s lone district).

Other signatories were Reps. Rene Relampagos (1st district of Bohol), Erico Aristotle Aumentado (2nd district of Bohol), Jocelyn Sy-Limkaichiong (1st district of Negros Oriental) and Arnolfo Teves Jr. (3rd district of Negros Oriental).

In their March 6 letter to Villar, the group raised their concern about oppositions against the proposed implementation of the United Nations Avenue depressed structure and other projects in their respective districts.

“It has come to our attention that a certain group in Cebu is currently exerting efforts to defer and/or even block in the guise of public welfare the implementation by the DPWH Regional Office VII of the construction of the UN Avenue Depressed Structure as well as other noteworthy infrastructure projects in our respective districts,” said their letter, a copy of which was received at Villar’s office on March 8.

The congressmen also reported to Villar efforts to have Canlas replaced as DPWH-7 director.

“Among the reasons cited by the group for the blocking of the project and removal of RD Canlas is that, in the coming with the subject project, no public consultation and proper study were conducted,” their letter added.

However, contrary to misconception, they clarified that the UN Avenue depressed project underwent study in 2010 as one of the component of the proposed Cebu North Coastal Road Project.

In 2011, the project was also got the endorsed of the Mandaue City Development Council (MCDC) and the Regional Development Council (RDC).

“Having said that, the undersigned vouch for the competence and integrity of RD Canlas, and still has the full trust and confidence upon him. Thus, the undersigned strongly recommend his retention as Regional Director of DPWH VII as well as the continued implementation of DPWH projects in the region,” their letter added.