Robredo meet Gwen over 93-1 lot issue

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo is reportedly coming to Cebu tomorrow for another round of talks with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on the 93-1 issue.

Although Garcia did not confirm it yet but she told reporters yesterday that this would give a “pretty good idea” on what she meant when she said that she has several options in dealing the 93-1 issue.

“So that some people will have to realize that they are not the end-all and be-all solution. The province holds the aces,” Garcia said.

Sometime in October Robredo visited the governor and offered to work with the province as regards to the 93-1 problem.

“I can work with just the DILG and I can still make that choice,” Garcia said earlier.

Robredo was tasked by President Benigno Aquino III to help solve the problem of the urban poor residents living in the lots under the Ordinance 93-1 of the province.

During his first meeting with Garcia, Robredo was happy because the governor was willing to pursue negotiations.

Robredo, however, said he could not easily come up with a solution without knowing the arguments of the respective parties because as an independent negotiator he needs to listen to both sides.

Garcia who appreciated Robredo’s presence said that his sincerity to be of assistance to both sides could give a fair solution to the issue.

Garcia added that Robredo is the person who would understands the mechanics, the dynamics as well as the needs of the local government.

The one-on-one talk on the issue has just started with Garcia designating Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda to meet with Cebu City Administrator Jose Mari Poblete and no one else.

Although there was no revelation of the specifics of the first meeting yet but it was described by both parties as cordial and showing positive start of the solution of the issue. —  (FREEMAN)