GOV. Hilario Davide III is raring to push through with his plan to construct a 22-story building inside the Capitol complex to house Capitol offices by taking out a P1.5-billion loan with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). This is the second time that Capitol applied for a loan with the government financial institution.
The first was the P27 million intended for the purchase of the heavy and light equipment, which was consummated, despite controversy over the bidding. The first bidding was awarded to ConEquip, the highest bidder. In the second bidding, the contract was awarded to the consortium of Con-Equip and Rdak Equipment.
Capitol’s old building will be abandoned and will be converted into a heritage building as it was damaged during the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu last 2013. The new building will house all the Capitol offices, while some floors will be rented to private companies and will be reserved for parking.
The new building was designed by AE Engineering and Consultancy. Davide has submitted the project to the Provincial Board for approval.
Why is Davide really pushing this ambitious plan? Is it because he wants to show Cebuanos that he has achieved something? Junjun is on in his second term but, unfortunately, he has done nothing to be remarkably proud off.
He is only good in extending financial assistance to the province’s local government units but there is nothing concrete in his projects, especially when it comes to infrastructure. Give me any accomplishment of Junjun. Nothing. Walay gyud nahimo. Mag-unsa man nang imong kaayo kung wala kay ipakita sa publiko?
But is the project a form of money-making venture for the 2019 elections? Just asking? Morag namugas-pugas na si Junjun alang sa sunod tuig nga eleksiyon.
Instead of applying for a loan and having the taxpayers pay it, why doesn’t Junjun invite private contractors to undertake the project through a public-private partnership.
The lot is owned by the Province and the building should be financed by a private entity. It should be a joint-venture agreement. The PPP scheme is being encouraged by the present administration as it doesn’t involve government funds. I am sure there are several takers. The Cebu-Cordova bridge in under PPP with the Manny Pangilinan group.
Junjun should solicit the support of the private sector by asking private companies to submit their proposals. Those who offer the best deal should be granted the contract. With this scheme, the Provincial Government won’t have to worry about paying off the loan. Hassle-free. Dawat lang limpyo.
Junjun could have used the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC). He should have renovated it to house Capitol offices instead of selling it to the Mandaue City Government.
I don’t know the priority of the Davide administration. Are all this buying, selling and building on government properties to satisfy his personal needs with the intention to make a commission? Not a good idea. I thought he is clean and an honest person. He cannot even discipline his own people, who are into shenanigans. Either he is corrupt or he tolerates corruption in his administration. How much is the perceived commission for a P1.5-billion project?
There have been so many controversial issues involving Davide’s men but he has failed to discipline or fire them. His trusted men like Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino, Disaster Officer Baltazar Tribunalo, Provincial Legal Officer Orvy Ortega and GSO Chief Jon Sigfred Sepe were allegedly involved in corruption cases but they are still enjoying the governor’s protection.