|
Monday, March 14, 2005
Chinoy traders may help in City Hall transfer
By Danilo V. Adorador III
* Emano says traders may likely help in airport project
* Opposition lawyers seek to disqualify admin lawyer
ANOTHER angle in the City Hall transfer and sale emerged with Mayor Vicente Emano saying there may be no need to sell the properties and site.
Emano told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro he will negotiate with a group of Chinese businessmen from the mainland who are set to arrive either today or sometime this week into helping build the City Hall building in Upper Dagong, Barangay Carmen.
Emano said he is considering instead the sale of other City Hall properties while retaining the present City Hall site, which local conservationists said contains historical and cultural value.
According to the mayor, the City Hall site may be transformed into a museum in order "to accommodate the requests of the sale and transfer oppositionists."
"Kay mao man kaha na'y ilang gusto nga himoung museum (Since that's what they want, to transform it into a museum)," the mayor said.
Whether the building of the new City Hall site will be done through a loan grant or any other terms, the mayor did not say.
"It will be known in the few days," the mayor told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro.
Emano also said the same Chinese businessmen will fund the construction of Carmen-Nazareth bridge estimated to cost P350 million.
The Chinese group, Emano added, is also considering funding the $80 million Panguil Bay Bridge in Tubod, Ozamis City and the $106 million Laguindingan International Airport.
He said the loans for these projects will be charged at a low three percent per annum interest.
"These people are very rich that they only charge such a low interest and they will do all these projects," he said.
Emano said he expects to meet with the Chinese investors in a few days to discuss various projects.
Emano's sudden shift on the City Hall sale issue has cast uncertainty on the significance of the Temporary Restraining Order filed by leading opposition figures and other heritage conservationist groups in court.
The restraining order seeks to nullify the City Council ordinance authorizing the mayor to initiate steps in transferring the City Hall and seeking ways to fund the new City Hall site.
Last Friday, opposition lawyers sought to disqualify administration lawyer Reynaldo Llego from the proceedings, which the latter protested. The judge gave the opposition lawyers three days to explain their side.
(March 14, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
|
