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Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Oppositors stand up, contest sale plans
TO BORROW a phrase, not everything went "swimmingly well" for City Hall officials in Tuesday morning's consultation for the City Hall transfer and sale of properties held at the City Tourism Office grounds.
This came about after sectoral groups such as the Sangga Kagayanon vented their sentiments and debated with the supporters on the proposals saying these properties including the Executive House are historical and cultural heritage landmarks.
This came about even as City Government officials took pains to defend their position on the proposals insisting that it wasn't a done deal.
Sangga Kagayanon member Antonio Montalvan even pointed out that the wording of the banner placed behind the councilors was misleading because it didn't contain the words "sale of City Hall buildings."
Among those who opposed the sale is Cagayan de Oro Travels Association President Tito Mora who said even the National Government had been restrained from selling properties in its disposal.
"The Manila Hotel wasn't sold to foreigners but to a Filipino because it is considered a national institution while the National Government was restrained from selling the Roponggi properties in Japan because it represented the Japanese government's restitution to Filipino World War II victims," he said.
And in his program "Koskos Batikos" aired over at Radio Mindanao Network (RMN)-dxCC lone opposition Councilor Zaldy Ocon described Tuesday's consultation as "lutong macaw."
Ocon said the sentiments of the barangay officials have been influenced on the issue as they distributed fliers calling on their constituents to support the moves.
In response administration barangay officials such as Eric Salcedo disputed reports that they are influenced by the local administration saying they have their own positions on the issue.
Mayor Vicente Emano also disputed allegations by former vice mayor Antonio Soriano over dxIF Bombo Radyo that the results of the public consultation had already been rigged saying he won't manipulate them.
The consultation, which filled up the City Tourism Office grounds, would supposedly serve as the basis on whether or not to transfer City Hall to the current landfill site at Upper Dagong, Carmen this city.
Vice Mayor Michelle Tagarda-Spiers appeared to rein in her annoyance following arguments with oppositors even as she reiterated that the council had yet to make known its decision on the matter.
She also said everyone would be given a chance to voice their piece on the issue.
Emano earlier said the business community had been generally favorable to the proposal to relocate the City Government.
However oppositors like columnist Manuel Valdehuesa said not all of them are against the transfer.
"Transfer yes but not selling the City Hall buildings because it is part of our heritage," he told ABS-CBN Cagayan de Oro.
For his part Councilor Juan Sia, who chairs the City Hall transfer and sale committee said they would collate the results of a questionnaire that was reportedly distributed during the consultation.
"The City Secretary would collate the results and send it to our committee for study and we will take this up on our meeting this Friday," Sia said. (Stephen Capillas with a report from Sun.Star Superbalita)
(January 26, 2005 issue)
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