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Monday, March 07, 2005
PB may support split-Cebu plan, warns vice guv
THE Cebu Provincial Board (PB) is still silent on splitting the province, almost two months after three bills have been filed for the proposal.
But Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez Jr., who presides over the PB, admits this may be the issue that will crack the unified front the legislative body has shown since last year.
Alliances with sponsor-congressmen may be stronger than town resolutions junking the proposal, he said, as many board members support the move. This may lead to a PB resolution supporting the bills to create separate provinces.
The PB members discussed the need for them to come up with a stand during their caucus for last Monday’s session.
Whether they can come up with an official sentiment in today’s regular session remains to be seen. In a talk last week, Sanchez has said that “perhaps” they can make a stand today.
So far, local leagues of mayors, vice mayors and councilors and the Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) already spoke in opposition to the move.
Towns have also passed resolutions either supporting or junking the proposal.
“I believe that this time, there will be a division in the board where there was none. I think more will support the bills, and this is what I’m afraid of,” said Sanchez.
Firm
Like Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, the vice governor has been firm in his stand for a united Cebu.
“Of course, I will have to fight it out in the board. But each PB member is still studying his move very carefully because of alliances,” added Sanchez.
Discussion on the issue may even take longer time on the floor than the much-debated budgets of the Province, he added.
PB Members Antonio Almirante, Victoria Coro-minas, Victor Maambong, Jose Ma. Gastardo and Joven Mondigo already aired support for the plan.
PB Member Estrella Yapha refused to comment, even if it was her husband, Rep. Antonio Yapha who filed a bill to create an Occidental Cebu out of the third district.
Rep. Clavel Martinez, for her part, wants the fourth district to become Cebu del Norte, while Rep. Simeon Kintanar wants the second district to become Cebu del Sur.
PB Member Agnes Magpale expressed concern for the preservation of Cebu’s history and heritage, and Ramon Martin Calderon said a feudal form of government may be a better option, but both were still undecided when asked about the issue.
PB Member Teresita Celis led the ABC in opposing the bills. PB Member Juan Bolo is also against the issue. (JPM)
(March 7, 2005 issue)
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