CAPITOL will proceed with the development of the controversial Balili property in Naga, Cebu even if a big portion of the property is actually under seawater.

The Provincial Board (PB) approved by a majority vote in its last session a resolution giving Gov. Gwen Garcia the “prerogative” to decide on the development of the property.

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The PB gave the governor a vote of support despite earlier reports that it was divided on the Balili property issue. Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez had said earlier that he favors the rescission of the sale.

This development could render academic the investigation on who was at fault in the purchase of the Balili property.

PB members, who met with the governor before they approved the resolution, probably made the decision because of Capitol’s commitment to Kepco to use the property as dumpsite of its coal (bed) ash.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) that Capitol inked with Kepco, which will start operation in 2011 yet, gives the Province the exclusive authority to dispose of Kepco’s coal ash. Kepco will pay Capitol US $1 per metric ton of coal ash.

Only Board Member Victoria Coromi-nas objected to and voted against the resolution. Those who were earlier vocal for the rescission of the sale were suddenly voiceless.

Perhaps Rep. Pabling Garcia, who explained the issue in the last PB session, won over those who were for the rescission of the sale. Or is it because they are equally responsible as PB member Juan Bolo on this fiasco?

Vice Governor Sanchez, who wants to steer clear from the Balili issue, tried to dissuade PB members from going ahead with the purchase and instead pointed to Minglanilla as alternative site for Capitol’s port project.

But majority of the PB members decided to swim or sink with Governor Gwen on this issue rather than side with the vice governor. The Cebu City Council is no longer the only legislative body with a rubber stamp tag.

Incidentally, it was the expose on the same Capitol plan to use part of the Balili property as a coal ash dumpsite that led to the discovery of the questionable purchase. A big portion of the Balili property was later found to be underwater.

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By nature, a father always comes to the rescue of a son or daughter who is in trouble. The help, though, is done in different forms or styles.

Before the police could conduct an investigation, Mayor Tomas Osmeña had cleared his son Miguel of the accusation that he sent threats to Samantha Benitez. The mayor’s assertion was uncalled for and many consider it as a warning to the police.

Talisay City Mayor Soc Fernandez did help his troubled son but he did it like he was a ghost. Rep. Pabling Garcia defended his governor-daughter on the Balili issue without using cuss words against the PB members who wanted the sale rescinded.

Many doubt if the mood Mayor Tomas is in is a product of the present state of his health. But I hope that Mayor Tomas would be as healthy as he is portraying himself to be for the coming elections.

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Cebu Pacific will not fly to Tandag, Surigao del Sur until the government fixes and improves the airport’s runway that is dilapidated due to years of neglect. Lawyer Bobby Lozada, Cebu Pacific agent in Tandag, told me this in a text message.

Calling on the Air Transport Office and Surigao del Sur Gov. Vicente “BB” Pimentel. Please act on Tandag airport’s runway problem so airlines would be able to serve passengers in this route.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 1, 2009.