City glad Capitol is suing over deal

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City is glad that Capitol is bringing to court the issue of the Joint Venture Agreement between the city government and Filinvest Land Inc., irregardless of whether or not the move is a diversionary tactic to steer the spotlight away from the controversial purchase of the Balili property.

“Well, maglisod gyud ta magtan-aw og unsay ila huna-huna ba, di gyud ta katag-an, pero og tagagawas ka, mao gyud nay imong matan-aw nga diversionary na,” said City Administrator Francisco Fernandez.

“But whether or not, we are happy naghisgot na silag court case kay mao man gyud ni position sa syudad nga instead of a Congressional hearing, ma-file ang kaso. Didto mas klaro. This is the rule of law,” Fernandez added.

Capitol spokesperson Rory John Sepulveda said recently that the provincial government is now pushing with a case against those involved in the controversial Joint Venture Agreement. The agreement was entered into for the development of over 50.6 hectares of lot at the South Road Properties, something that the province said is very questionable.

Sepulveda’s announcement came after the issue on the alleged anomalous purchase of the Balili property by the province broke out.

But Sepulveda said the decision to finally file the case is due to the constant challenge posed by Mayor Tomas Osmeña and other city officials.

Last year, the province expressed interest over the same parcels of land proposed for investment by Filinvest but its competitive challenge was rejected twice because of lack of jurisdiction.

The city said the joint venture ordinance clearly states that only private entities or corporations are allowed to submit challenges.

The agreement consists of two parts; first the direct sale of 10.6 hectares to be developed into entertainment and economic strips while the second part is the development of 40 hectares, which will host condominium units.

Fernandez said the city is not afraid to face a Congressional inquiry only that it may be discouraging on the part of Filinvest.

“Not that we are afraid sa Congressional inquiry but it is just not proper nga ingon-anaon nato pag-treat ang ato investor. Grabe man na ang Congressional hearing diba?” Fernandez said. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO (THE FREEMAN)