Thursday, August 11, 2005 (Philippines)

Yesterday’s hearing in Quezon City by the House committee on local government to study the proposal to create three new provinces of Cebu gathered in one room the pro and con groups for the first time since the bills were filed. Above photo, from left: Vice Gov. Greg Sanchez, Gov. Gwen Garcia and Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano VI. (Contributed photo) MANILA - A heated verbal exchange between Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Rep. Clavel Asas-Martinez led to the premature adjournment yesterday of the House committee hearing on three bills seeking to create new provinces in Cebu. The nearly two-hour hearing ended with the creation of a technical working group tasked to study the three bills. Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte, a former governor, will head the group. Rep. Emilio Macias, who chairs the committee on local government, said it will be up to Villafuerte to choose its members. [full story]