Gwen: Tom-Mike rift only a "squid tactic"

CEBU, Philippines -Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday accused Mayor Tomas Osmeña of using the ongoing spat between him and Vice Mayor Michael Rama as a diversionary tactic to steer the public eye away from the city’s alleged questionable contract with Filinvest Land Inc. for development at the South Road Properties.

“Samtang magtan-aw ko aning Tomas sa akong lima ka tuig, more and more, bilib ko sa iyang pagka-expert sa pag nukos-nukos by making outrageous remarks. Ako ma-fascinated man gyud ko aning nukos,” Garcia said.

Garcia alleged that the ongoing conflict between Osmeña and Rama is but a “squid tactic” to cover the issue on Filinvest. In fact, Osmeña allegedly first employed the tactic when he called former Miss Cebu Second Runner-Up Kim Therese Burden as “Miss Cellphone.”

The expression “squid tactic” is derived from the ability of a squid to spray its ink towards its attackers in order to divert their attention.

Because of the “squid tactic,” media reports are now focused on Osmeña’s conflict with Rama and no longer on the joint venture agreement between the city and Filinvest, which the province had persistently alleged as highly questionable.

“Asa man ta mas dako ug alkansi? Should we focus on the 2010 elections or the SRP where the people are paying for its debts?” Garcia said.

Garcia said she became suspicious of Osmeña when the latter announced on March 16 that he will not be campaigning for Rama, a day after Bobby Nalzaro wrote about “Commissions on SRP” in his column in another newspaper.

“When I said we will move on and that we will move forward, that does not mean leaving Cebu City mired in anomalous transactions and questionable deals…upon close review, daghan ang nakapa-isa sa among kilay,” Garcia said.

Yet Capitol’s revenue information lawyer and consultant on information Rory Jon Sepulveda said the province does not intend to initiate legal action against the city but only wants to clarify some points in the joint venture agreement. 

Among the provisions in the agreement that Capitol is questioning is that of the sale of the 10.6 hectare lot itself to Filinvest. Section 18 of the agreement states that Filinvest shall “purchase and acquire exclusive right” of the property while they will have “absolute ownership” of the structures or any developments that will be introduced into it.

This is reportedly contrary to Commission on Audit Circular 92-386, which requires bidding in the disposal of government owned lots or structures.

Sepulveda said it is also ironic that lot titles are released to Filinvest each time they make installment payments.

Based on Capitol’s computation, the ownership of the 10.6 hectare lot will already be transferred to Filinvest in 2013 after they have paid a total of P1 billion, leaving behind a balance of P4.45 million which is payable until 2015. — Garry B. Lao/JMO (THE FREEMAN)