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Sunday, April 24, 2005
Cebu Council to keep eye on Gullas’ SRP-provoked inquiry
TO GET “first-hand” information, the Cebu City Council will send a representative once Congress holds an inquiry into methods the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria) used in dividing the waters of Cebu and Talisay cities.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña has scoffed at Rep. Eduardo Gullas’ resolution asking Congress to direct the committee on natural resources to conduct the inquiry. The mayor will not attend the inquiry, if there is any.
But Cebu City Council majority floor leader Jocelyn Pesquera said somebody from the council will be around to observe.
“It would be better if there is someone who can tell us what transpired in the hearing,” she said.
She doubted, however, that Congress will approve Gullas’ resolution, saying lawmakers usually do not interfere in local affairs.
Better for Gullas, she said, to instead draft an appropriation bill for the payment of the South Reclamation Project (SRP) loan, which amounts to P6.4 billion under current foreign exchange rates.
She assured Osmeña the council is 100 percent behind him in his fight against Talisay City’s claim over a portion of SRP.
Gullas filed Resolution 683 after Talisay City objected to Namria’s survey results that showed SRP encroached on only 2.087 hectares of Talisay’s territory.
Talisay, starting from the time Gullas was mayor, claimed over 53.44 hectares of the 295-hectare SRP is in its jurisdiction.
It opposed Cebu City’s application for special patent, thus delaying the issuance of a title. That prevented the disposal of portions of the land, whose projected earnings were earmarked for loan payments.
The Cebu City Government is paying P1.5 million each day as loan interest.
Pesquera further said that if Gullas continues his assault on Cebu City, the council will have no recourse but to divulge the favors given to Talisay City.
She, however, declined to elaborate, saying Cebu City councilors will do so at the proper time. (RHM)
(April 24, 2005 issue)
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