A GROUP of concerned citizens opposes the proposed P3 billion loan for Mandaue City’s new government center, arguing that it wastes money. Instead, it is advocating for a public-private partnership (PPP) as a better alternative.
Members of the Save Mandaue Coalition (SMC) said in a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, that they are not opposed to the construction of a one-stop-shop government center on the grounds of the abandoned Cebu International Convention Center. However, they are concerned that the City Government may incur a large debt if it proceeds with taking out a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Last April, the DBP granted a P3 billion loan to the City Government for the construction of a new government center; however, the City has not yet received the loan because the council still needs to ratify the grant.
SMC spokesperson Elaine Joyce Bacunador said their opposition to the plan was driven solely by the group’s concern for the city and not by any political motivations.
“We cannot continue with what the City Government is doing without clear resolutions to even the simplest issues,” Bacunador said in Cebuano.
Bacunador was joined by her fellow convenors, Dodong Colegado, Aireen Iway, Ana Marie Garbo, Grace Alegria and Ma. Linda Moldez in the press conference.
According to SMC, the City faces numerous issues that require more immediate attention. These include flood control management, access to medicine and improvements in medical facilities and school buildings.
The group also pointed to unresolved concerns raised by the Commission on Audit regarding the use of public funds and the need for permanent resettlement sites for displaced residents of Tipolo.
SMC has proposed these to the City Government: halting the implementation of the P3 billion loan, realigning funds to address basic issues, assessing the pros and cons of related financial undertakings and ensuring that public funds are used effectively to benefit residents.
SMC plans to launch a petition campaign across all barangays, hold dialogues and disseminate information. The group is also seeking free legal assistance to explore possible legal actions. If its concerns are not addressed, the group has indicated it will consider organizing a rally.
Mandaue City Treasurer Regal Oliva earlier expressed her concerns about the limitations of a PPP arrangement. Oliva argued that while a PPP might alleviate the City’s immediate financial burden, it could lead to complications in the long run.
Adding that private entities might decide to occupy the most commercially viable parts of the government center, such as the first eight floors, leaving the City with control over only the upper levels.
This arrangement, Oliva warned, could result in the City having limited authority over a building that is intended to serve the public.
Public Information Officer Karla Cortes said the government center is not just a building; it is a step toward streamlining services and making life easier for the citizens. / CAV