TAGUM CITY (January 25) — Mayor Allan Rellon reminded former Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo “Dolfo” del Rosario Sr. that he approved the P2.6-billion flyover project here when he was still the governor.
Rellon in an interview with reporters revealed, the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) of Tagum City was submitted to the provincial governor’s office through a resolution, “The AIP, project brief, the plan, and everything pertaining to the flyover project passed through the governor’s office and he approved it, why question the same?, you know that we followed the law and every procedure, why question now?”
The AIP is the list of all projects for the succeeding year which reflects the details of every program, including the budgetary requirement, it serves as the book of every local government unit in the implementation of all projects, it is submitted to the Governor’s office and without the approval of the governor, the project cannot be implemented.
Del Rosario Sr. earlier said flyover project in Tagum City initiated by former House Speaker Pantaleon “Bebot” Alvarez is not necessary.
Del Rosario claimed that the construction of the project which started in 2017, is not the right solution to address the growing vehicular traffic that Tagum is currently experiencing.
“For me, putting up a flyover is not the solution. Why not put up traffic lights and hire more traffic enforcers?,” del Rosario claimed.
To this, Rellon said “Maybe he forgot, he was one of those who approved the project, I am even wondering why he questions the project now, is it because of politics? because we are no longer allies?, if that is the logic, I am sad…because the project is for the people and not for him, he does not pass that area because he live luxuriously, he cannot feel the traffic problem, and the need to anticipate influx of vehicles because our economy is moving up.”
Rellon belied the claims of del Rosario that the project did not pass through public consultation “We followed every process, because I do not want legal complications, he knew that..why only question now?”
To the people of Tagum, Rellon asks “Let’s continue to unite, I know you are matured enough, it was you who give me this mandate to serve you, the chance to work for your development, together, we work as one, let us not allow the political water to hamper the development, if we’ve done something wrong, tell us, tell me, you have the right to be heard.”
Rellon, a political ally of Congressman Alvarez. Alvarez is running against del Rosario’s son Anthony, for the first congressional district of Tagum.
Mayor Rellon emphasized “I work for my people, the greater majority not for the interest of select few.”-Editha Z. Caduaya/NewsLine.ph
