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Wednesday, October 08, 2003
Ace Durano says he still backs megadome project
By Jeanette P. Malinao
REP. Ace Durano yesterday squelched speculations that he is pulling out support for the megadome, a move that could stop the construction of the project.
“I don’t know where that came from. There’s nothing wrong with the megadome as far as the 5th district is concerned,” said Durano.
Cebu Vice Gov. John Gregory Osmeña earlier raised apprehension that the megadome is facing a serious threat of being stalled because of the absence of Provincial Board (PB) Members Rosemarie Durano and Josefina Patricia Asirit, who are allied with the Duranos.
Without Durano and Asirit, the P18.75-million contract with Alexus Medalla to be consultant for the megadome will not get the needed eight votes.
Osmeña took the absence as a clear signal that something was “seriously amiss.” That was in light of Durano’s withdrawal from Gov. Pablo Garcia’s Anti-Drug Abuse and Trafficking Task Force that had all 5th district mayors calling the Office of the Governor to cancel the scheduled disbursement of honoraria of deputized officials.
Durano reportedly felt slighted when the governor called his mayors and barangay captains to a meeting without first informing him.
But Durano yesterday denied he had any misunderstanding with Garcia. “You cannot really call it
that. It really was just the dynamics between allies.”
Assurance
The congressman said he immediately called Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano when reports of his withdrawal from the megadome came out to give assurance.
“It’s futile for us to be against it because (PB Members Durano and Asirit) were even part of the suit filed against the megadome. More is just being read into the actions of our Board members. To me, those are trivial things that have been blown out of proportion,” said Durano.
Early yesterday, Capitol consultant Gwendolyn Garcia announced that the construction of the megadome will push through after they have “resolved” their “issues” with Durano.
Garcia refused to disclose details of the matter but she admitted there was a meeting Monday night by “everyone concerned,” with Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III and Gov. Pablo Garcia in attendance.
“I am optimistic of seeing the continuation of things that need to be done. It always helps to sit down and talk, and therefore it has helped,” said Gwendolyn.
Gwendolyn is vice chairman of the provincial megadome committee. She said she has yet to inform the vice governor of the recent development.
Durano, however, denied any “formal meeting” with the governor. “We saw each other but nothing important happened.”
Also yesterday, the Capitol consultant revealed that after the other night’s meeting, the anti-drugs assemblies within Durano’s turf will also push through.
“They will now participate in the campaign,” said Gwendolyn.
(October 8, 2003 issue)
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