Saturday, November 11, 2006 Carvajal: Convention center By Orlando P. Carvajal Break Point
Not content with attacks in the local media, it seems that detractors of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) upped the ante and fed Mr. Max Soliven of Philippine Star with what must have been garbage on the project. In any case, it was bad enough to make him launch a vitriolic attack on the CICC and its main proponent, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.
In fact, he got so well primed for the attack that he just had to do it two days in a row. He did not wait for the governor’s side of the issue hence the second attack was as bad as the first.
I have to blame those who fed Mr. Max Soliven with everything he used in his demolition job on the CICC. But I must also question his motives and blame him for launching an attack on the CICC based on data he received from one side. I would not have blamed him if he simply put in his two cents worth on the issue like so many others are doing. But a savage attack? That’s a different story.
The attack was unprovoked, unwarranted and hence totally unfair. When he warned about the roof of the CICC falling on the heads of delegates, he insulted the intelligence and responsibility of Cebuanos by insinuating that we will be stupid and irresponsible enough to allow an unfinished structure to endanger the lives of our guests.
To be candid about it, Mr. Soliven sounded to me very much like a radio block-timer demolishing the political rival of his politician-sponsor. He lost his cool in that attack. He also lost my respect. He was imperial Manila at its worst, condescending, all knowing and very smug about it.
Like any project in this country of corrupt personalities in government and business, there are valid and real issues about the CICC’s cost.
Transparency must put this issue to rest after the summit. But the question of when it will be finished is a mere political issue meant to embarrass and discredit the proponent, a political rival.
It has already been declared time and again that the summit can be held in alternative venues in case the CICC is not done in time. In yesterday’s inspection we are told none of the delegates asked about completion. So, what’s the fuss? There is no absolute need to finish it on time for the summit.
The only real issue here is whether a convention center is good for Cebu.
And for those of us who think that Cebu can use such an infrastructure we are happy to know that after the summit, we will definitely have an international convention center to fuel our ambitions to become a top tourist destination and an investor’s haven in this corner of the world.
I congratulate the governor for standing her ground on this and not letting the vitriol of her political opponents dampen her spirit.
