Who is sincere?

THE plight of the residents in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas, Cebu City has been transformed into a “political battleground” by Mayor Michael Rama and south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña. The two political leaders and their allies rushed to Apas last Monday to “rescue” the residents when the court sheriff, together with a demolition team, went there to implement a court order.

Mike and Tomas are playing politics on this issue. They want to show to the public that they are concerned with the plight of the affected residents. They want to project themselves as champion and protector of the poor. Both are riding on the issue for political purposes. But who among them are really sincere in helping the residents?

Strictly speaking, Osmeña has no business interfering in this because he is from the south district and the affected residents are from the north. But because he intends to run for mayor next year against Rama, Tomas crossed boundaries. Mike, on the other hand, has the authority because he is the mayor and, when anything happens there, he is partly to be blamed.

It is just unfortunate that both leaders are exploiting the agony and misery of the affected residents. But as legal issues continue to unfold, we can determine who among the two leaders showed sincerity in helping the affected residents.

Tomas distributed cash and ponkan (orange). He criticized Rama, saying what the mayor is doing his thing like showbiz denizens do. He accused Mike and Councilor Edgardo Labella of deception.

Tomas said Labella and Roberto Palmares, lawyer of the Godinez family, the claimant of the controversial Apas lot, are law partners. Tomas wants Rama and Labella, both lawyers, disbarred. Labella denied the accusation saying that he and Palmares are just sharing a law office but have no official partnership in handling cases.

Instead of showing sincerity in helping the residents, Tomas is focused on one direction. Politics and how to discredit Rama and Labella is on top of his agenda. Is this his brand of politics? He is using the agony and misery of the people for personal and political gain. This act is hypocrisy to the highest degree.

Actually, the “battle” is already in the court. Politicians who went to Apas were just there for photo opportunity or to get pogi points. Had the court sheriff decided to implement the order on that day, the politicians could not have done anything. Councilor Labella was the man. He saved the

residents' structures from being demolished.

Had it not been for his intervention and manifestation before the court, the residents would not have been given a reprieve. Labella convinced the court to stop the implementation of the demolition order because there are related pending cases before the Court of Appeals.

RTC Judge Soliver Peras required both parties to submit their position papers and issued a status quo order. Mike went personally to the court and followed up the order. What was Tomas's participation there? Nothing.

Now, Tomas wants Labella disbarred for helping the unfortunate residents? He is even insinuating that Labella's move is part of a money-making venture to get election campaign funds. But how can the councilor get money from it when he is siding with the residents?

Big money and commission is in the South Road Properties (SRP), which is controlled by Tomas. That is why he willing to die for the SRP. If Mike and Tomas are really sincere in helping the affected residents, then they should set aside their personal and political differences and unite in extending help to the residents.

The information I got last night is that Judge Peras recalled his status quo order citing lack of jurisdiction, as the case is already in the Court of Appeal. Unless restrained by a higher court, the demolition will proceed. Mosalida na sab ning mga pulitiko.