OUTGOING Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he is set to sign the newly approved revised comprehensive zoning ordinance once it reaches his desk.
With less than two working days left before the turnover of the mayoral seat on June 30, 2025, Garcia said in a press conference Friday, June 27, that he will conduct a thorough review of the ordinance over the weekend once he receives it.
When asked whether he could complete the review in time, Garcia expressed confidence.
“Madala oy, taas pa ang weekend (That's doable. There’s still plenty of time over the weekend),” Garcia said.
Although he has the authority to veto the ordinance, Garcia said he has no plans to do so.
“Ever since before, I was already for the Zoning Ordinance nga ma-update kay 1996 pa na unya unsa nagud ta karon, 2025,” Garcia said.
Garcia said by signing the ordinance, he hopes to give the next administration an edge in improving the city.
“These are the things nga akong ibilin sa next administration for them to work with enough ammunition to be able to make Cebu a better place to live in,” Garcia said.
Carbon Public Market
Garcia said while there is a need for an updated zoning ordinance, the issue surrounding the Carbon Public Market should not hinder its progress.
“We cannot afford to hostage Carbon for the entire development of the City of Cebu just for that particular issue. So, we have to update gyud,” Garcia said.
He said had it not been approved, future projects would have to constantly apply for zoning variances, which would take time and effort.
“It really has to be updated, and I am 100 percent for the updating,” Garcia said.
When asked about the plight of Carbon Market vendors, Garcia said he is looking out for the greater good of the entire city, emphasizing that the revision of the Zoning Ordinance has already been long delayed.
“Sakto na to ang gibuhat sa Council nga gi-approve nila, and ako na dayon to sign it into law (What the Council did in approving it is already enough, and it’s now up to me to sign it into law). And I have June 30 of 12 noon to do so,” Garcia said. (JPS)