ELIAS ESPINOZA:
Had Mandaue been established as a congressional district before Lapu-Lapu, the problem could have been avoided
Espinoza cites politics in the creation of separate congressional districts. The entire island of Mactan, he said, should have been converted into a congressional district instead of making Lapu-Lapu City as a lone district. There would not have been a geographical problem, he said. Espinoza also lauds Gov. Hilario Davide III for being selfless after the latter backed the conversion of Mandaue City as a loneg district, since that would mean losing a big chunk of a solid voter base for him.
The entire island of Mactan should have been converted into a congressional district instead of only Lapu-Lapu City. But because of political interests, the town of Cordova, which is part of the island, was left out.
The present sixth congressional district is composed of the towns of Consolacion and Cordova and Mandaue City.
The creation of Mandaue as a lone congressional district is long overdue. It took a true blue Mandauehanon, Rep. Jonas Cortes, to author House Bill No. 4117 for the purpose. If the measure is approved, the towns of Consolacion and Cordova would be miles apart from each other and separated by the sea.
Had Mandaue been established as a congressional district before Lapu-Lapu City, the geographical problem could have been avoided.
Gov. Junjun Davide showed selflessness when he strongly supported House Bill 4117 even if it would mean losing a big chunk of voters for governor and vice governor in every election. He won with a wide margin in Mandaue City in the last two polls.
If Mandaue becomes a congressional district, former mayor and now secretary Ady Sitoy might move for the inclusion of Cordova as the third district of Cebu City. He proposed this before. But with a third bridge connecting Cordova to Cebu City and with SM’s reclamation project on the way, Secretary Sitoy may abandon that plan.
Granting Cordova becomes the third district of Cebu City, Consolacion Mayor Nene Alegado and Liloan Mayor Cristina Frasco may move for the creation of an 8th congressional district composed of Consolacion and Liloan.
I don’t suppose Rep. Red Durano and Danao City Mayor Nito Durano would oppose the idea as this would mean fewer headaches for them without Liloan in the fifth district.
In 30 days, Pamocor (Pasahero Motors Corp.) will collect the garbage after Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña canceled the contract with Jomara Konstruct Corp. Pamocor should start the collection now because garbage had piled up in every street corner in the city and 30 days is too long to wait.
Pamocor’s CEO Franklin Ong, a barangay councilor, would be on the spot. Everyone expects him to make Cebu city livable again.
But remember folks, a clean city starts from every one of us. Let’s do our share..