This also covers Balili property: Provincial Board passes resolution recognizing prerogative of the governor

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board yesterday passed a resolution recognizing the prerogative of the governor to determine the direction and development of the province including the controversial Balili property in Tinaan, Naga.

The resolution sponsored by PB members Jose Maria Gastardo, Agnes Magpale, Wenceslao Gakit, Wilfredo Caminero, Peter John Calderon and Joven Mondigo, Jr. was passed despite the objection of PB member Victoria Corominas.

The resolution was drafted at the office of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during a meeting with the six board members after yesterday’s flag ceremony.

Gakit, one of the sponsors, confirmed meeting with Garcia allegedly to consult her about the resolution.

He admitted drafting the resolution at the office of Garcia after their meeting.

A source of The FREEMAN however said that the resolution was already prepared when the board members were called to a meeting. The resolution was allegedly passed around for them to sign.

The source said only the six board members, who appeared as sponsors, were present because some of the board members were either absent or not invited at all.

The one page resolution quoted Section 18 of the Local Government Code which tasked the local chief executive to “initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues and apply the same to the implementation of development plans, program objectives and priorities.”

Section 18 states that, “The local government units shall have the power and authority to establish an organization that shall be responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of their development plans, programs, objectives and priorities.”

According to the resolution, the purchase of the 24.7 hectares Balili property has been identified by the Local Chief Executive as among one of the projects included in its development plans.

Corominas questioned that timing of the passage of the resolution because the ad hoc committee of the provincial board investigating the controversy is yet to come up with its recommendation.

According to Corominas, while it is important to recognize the prerogative of the governor, she is concerned about the effect of the resolution to the findings of the ad hoc committee.

She asked Gastardo who defended the resolution, if passing the resolution would mean giving the authority of the provincial board to maintain check and balance.

Gastardo said it does not give up their duty to maintain check and balance as well as it will not affect the recommendation of the ad hoc committee.

Gastardo said the resolution was just a reiteration of what is provided under the Local Government Code.

Corominas registered a formal objection to the resolution, but lost to the 11 votes of her colleagues during the division of the house.

Corominas was the only one who objected the resolution while the rest of the board members present voted for its approval.

Those who voted yes aside from the sponsors were Teresita Celis, Alfred Francis Ouano, Bea Mercede Calderon, Julian Daan and Juan Bolo.

Magpale presided over the session when the resolution was discussed and put into voting because Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez was out.

PB Member Victor Maambong, on the other hand, was absent.

The vice governor said he went out of the session hall because of important things to do in his office.

It was however observed that he was very reserved on the passage of the resolution. — Fred P. Languido/NLQ    (FREEMAN NEWS)