Lines of communication now open: Talks on 93-1 start on a positive note

CEBU, Philippines - The much-anticipated first meeting between the representatives of Capitol and City Hall to discuss the fate of thousands, who could be displaced if the negotiations would fail, turned out to be very cordial.

Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda and city administrator Jose Mari Poblete met at City Hall yesterday morning to begin talks on the fate of those affected by Provincial Ordinance 93-1. The meeting was held at Poblete’s office and was closed to the public.

It was the first time that the two met face-to-face whether on official or personal capacity.

After the meeting, the two told the media that whatever they would discuss would be relayed to their respective bosses – Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia for Sepulveda and Mayor Michael Rama for Poblete.

Sepulveda said that he and Poblete see things similarly about this issue based on their initial talks.

“Ang primary is ang relationship nga magka-estoryahay nga hopefully dili malubog by voices coming in from the outside,” Sepulveda said.

The statement echoed the warning issued by Gov. Garcia against those who would issue statements that would disrupt the negotiations instead of help them come to an agreement.

Capitol said that it would not anymore touch those that have fully-paid their lots, whose titles have already been turned over, but only those that have not paid or are only partially paid.

Garcia has also earlier announced that she would also personally see to the resolution of this case with or without the help of the city officials, but wants to give them a chance to have a hand in this.

The meeting yesterday, most importantly, opened the lines of communication between Capitol and City Hall which have been at loggerheads resulting to the impasse.

Ordinance 93-1 gave the occupants of province-owned lots to buy the parcel that they are occupying from Capitol.

The problem started when it was found out that many haven’t paid for their lots and Capitol said that it intended to recover them to maximize their use.

The city offered a land swap deal during the time of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, but this fell apart when the provincial officials were slighted at the statement of then Vice Mayor Michael Rama saying that the city will be doing all the dirty work while the province will get lots in the North Reclamation Area that they can immediately use.

Sepulveda said that the concerns Poblete aired yesterday were also legitimate falling under its jurisdiction such as the basic services for the occupants.

While they have yet to discuss any options, Sepulveda said that they will find an acceptable solution for both concerns.

 The Cebu City Government and Cebu Provincial Capitol anticipate more fruitful and peaceful talks in the coming days, which will finally put an end to the issue.

 The meeting yesterday lasted for only 30 minutes.

 While there is no definite schedule yet for the next meeting, the two officials agreed to contact each other with regards to their availability.

 “Magtext-sanay ra mi. Dali ra mi magkasinabot, dili maglisod among storya. I find him very friendly,” Sepulveda said referring to Poblete.

 The city administrator also said that he will closely work with the committee formed by Mayor Rama composed of councilors. He said that they would also be apprised about the discussions.

 “Preliminary ra ni. We will be reporting to our respective heads of office,” Poblete said.

 “Ang pagsugod sa storya, nindot na nga development. We talked about general terms, unsa’y direction, unsa’y gusto sa province. We expect good things kay sa ordinance, nindot ang gibutang sa policy.

 “Klaro didto nga policy g’yud sa province ang pag-provide og land to the landless,” Poblete said.

 Rama said in his news conference yesterday afternoon that the city administrator has not reported to him yet.

 He assured the public especially the beneficiaries that the city is working to the best interest of the majority in Cebu City. — /NLQ  (FREEMAN NEWS)