THE Capitol’s plan to build a P1.5-billion Cebu Provincial Resource Center hits another snag.
This, after Cebu congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate Gwendolyn Garcia sent letters to her rival, Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, and the members of the Provincial Board, urging them to “proceed with caution” on approving the construction of the 20-story building after the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) reminded the Province that it has yet to submit a new development plan.
Though she didn’t specifically state that charges could be filed against Magpale and the PB members if they refuse to heed her request, Garcia said their caution will protect them from prosecution under heritage and graft laws.
“Your desistance from being made a participant in this illegal scheme would not only protect you from prosecution under heritage and graft laws, but would preserve the independence and dignity of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,” Garcia said in her letter.
But Magpale, in a separate interview, believed that Garcia’s move reeks of politics.
Garcia and Magpale are set to face off in next year’s gubernatorial race.
In her letter, Garcia reminded Magpale and the PB members that the Province has yet to submit a new development plan for the 20-story Capitol Resource Center in response to their recommendations last year.
In his letter to Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino in November this year, NHCP chairman Rene Escalante reminded the former that the Province cannot undertake any construction of the new building until they approve the development plan.
Since the area surrounding the old Provincial Capitol building is considered a heritage buffer zone, no new developments are to be undertaken without the approval of the NHCP.
“We trust that having been put on notice of this material deficiency and clear violation of our heritage laws, you will proceed with abundant caution on the executive department’s request for you to cooperate in this illegal scheme by approving the contract with the supposed winner of the rushed bidding of this project,” Garcia added.
Magpale, however, said there was no need to take heed of Garcia’s letter.
“We cannot be influenced by outside forces. The individual opinion of each Board Member will be considered in deciding whether to give authority or not. I trust the judgement of all the members,” Magpale told SunStar Cebu.
Magpale said the proposal to give authority to Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III to enter into a contract with WT Construction to undertake the project is now in the committee level.
She assured that they will scrutinize every provision of the contract before deciding on whether to approve it or not.
Magpale lamented that Garcia politicized the proposed deal when it is still within the committee level.
“I’m just wondering why (Garcia is questioning it). It is still being discussed within the committee level and might be discussed by early next year,” she added. (JKV)