Wednesday, July 02, 2008 ‘Thanking investors does not mean anything’- businessman
EVEN though Lapu-Lapu City was recently rated second among cities where starting a business is easy, a businessman continues to question the way some businesses in the city are sustained.
Efrain Pelaez Jr., president of the Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI), said many businesses in Lapu-Lapu City have been in existence for many years but some of them have to “toe the line with City Hall in some way since they don’t want to be bothered (and) harassed, or to fight officials (in the same way as MICCI).”
“Thanking (investors) is showing gratitude (but) that doesn’t mean anything,” Pelaez said, referring to an event hosted by the Lapu-Lapu City Government last week to recognize some investors.
He said property owners in Lapu-Lapu “are simply trying to convert (their property into ventures where they get good) return of investments.”
During the 888 News Forum at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino yesterday, Pelaez criticized Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza and certain investors who denied his allegations that City Hall is implementing a “corrupt system.”
“No amount of stage managing or events like that and no amount of testimonials from certain friends or associates will change the fact that there are many graft and corruption cases filed against the mayor,” Pelaez said.
Permits
Pelaez alleged that most of those present at the Lapu-Lapu City-initiated Investors’ Night last Friday were Radaza’s friends and associates “or are dependent on permits from the City to open and maintain their businesses.”
“By contrast, our forum was sponsored by the Office of the President and attended by representatives from the Department of Tourism, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Department of Public Works and Highways, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” he said.
He said Mayor Radaza and Assistant City Attorney Michael Dignos did not stay long in the forum, an indication that “they are not interested to listen to the investors of Mactan.”
Pelaez also expressed reservations about the proposed P10-billion Lapu-Lapu City reclamation project, which has been approved by President Arroyo.
“A project like this is another opportunity for graft and many things could happen within the next two years while Mactan is experiencing so many problems. What is the point of investing P10 billion when they cannot solve basic problems such as bad roads, massive garbage and proliferation of squatters?,” he asked.
“Mactan is becoming a squatters’ colony, causing problems to our environment. What (kind of) dignity (is) given to the people when the government promotes Lapu-Lapu as a paradise in the Pacific or an urbanized city but could not even
provide relocation sites for squatters?,” he added.
Pelaez pointed out that there are many ways that the City can achieve a “proper tourism infrastructure” for the island. He suggested the installation of streetlights, repair of roads and construction of adequate sidewalks. (NRC)
