I HAVE been writing a series of articles since last week about the redevelopment of the historical century-old Carbon Market. I have presented the side of the administration of Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, who inked the joint venture agreement (JVA) with the developer, Megawide Construction Corp., for a P5.5 billion development, which will last 50 years and could be extended for another 25 years. I also presented the side of the opposition, Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) who opposed the redevelopment, citing defects of the JVA, claiming it’s “disadvantageous to the interest of the city.”
Vice Mayor Michael Rama, an administration ally, also raised some concerns, especially on the cultural and historical impacts of the project. But I asked why these concerns were raised only now when the JVA was already signed and all these concerns have been stipulated in the contract. In the spirit of fair play and fairness, I am printing herewith the side of Mike on the matter.
“With high regard and gratitude, Vice Mayor Mike Rama welcomes the opportunity accorded by Mr. Bobby Nalzaro, a renowned personality in print media, radio and television, to publicly air his point on the Carbon Redevelopment Project.
“In a nutshell, the action of VM Rama is purely driven on saving the Carbon Redevelopment Project from imminent collateral attacks and issues that may derail the implementation of the long-awaited development of the only Carbon Market for the people of Cebu.
“VM Rama firmly believes that both the private proponent and the current administration are more than able to explain and clarify the issues and observations thrown on the floor by members of the minority bloc of the City Council. Thus, VM Rama is not up for political posturing but a classic act of assurance that projects like Carbon Redevelopment and the delivery of public services cannot be abrogated simply because there are issues and concerns raised on the same.
“As SP Presiding Officer for the longest time, experience will tell that to resolve a certain issue posed before the collegial body only requires a little time for the honorable members to hear and clarify the same. Rather than spending time in trading barbs, the adoption of a remedial and curative approach is always a better alternative. Thus, under the circumstances, it is imperative to give the project proponent and the administration a chance to explain and clarify the issues raised. The approach adopted by VM Rama basically aims to expedite the Carbon Redevelopment project implementation by freeing the same from unnecessary burden and issues.
“Sometimes, people just fail to see and appreciate the opportunity offered before them.