Cordova officials block annex move

CEBU, Philippines - Municipal and barangay officials of Cordova yesterday trooped to Capitol to voice their strong opposition to the proposal to annex their town to Cebu City.

The officials of Cordova were led by Mayor Adelino Sitoy in meeting Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to discuss the issue.

“Ang akong immediate response ang pagdala nilang tanan kay sila maoy makasaksi, wa ko mag buot-buot og tubag,” Sitoy told Garcia.

One barangay captain said they will stay with the Province of Cebu unless the governor would say she no longer wants them.

“Makaako kaha ko pag-ingon nga di na ko gusto ninyo? Sa tanan natong pinagsamahan, pito ka tuig nako nga nag-alagad ninyo unya karon mokalit lang ko ingon di na ko ninyo?” Garcia asked in reply.

Osmeña reportedly suggested to Sitoy to conduct a non-binding referendum to get the pulse of his constituents.

But Sitoy said the statement was “unfortunate” since there is no bill filed in Congress yet.

“Sa pagkakaron nga wala, way discussion nga mahimo, way kinahanglan nga mag-estorya ta og annexation kon wa madisturbo ang distrito,” Sitoy said.

Sitoy lauded Garcia’s move in calling the six Congressmen in the province of Cebu to discuss redistricting.

Cordova officials disproved the allegations of Osmeña that the provincial government has done nothing for them.

Sitoy said that the province has been helping them in the construction of senior citizens building, classrooms for Cordova Public College and in other public elementary and high school buildings, birthing center, road asphalting and others.

“Unfair para nako ug makadaut sa maayong relasyon,” Sitoy said.

Garcia said that Osmeña did not only lie, he also shows his total ignorance to what the province has done for Cordova.

Capitol consultant and spokesperson Rory Jon Sepulveda said that the issue raised by Osmeña is recycled.

“Let him do his job,” Sepulveda said hinting that Osmeña has yet to file a bill in Congress.

“In so far as it is a product of work of a legislator okey mi ana at least naa siyay gitrabaho although comedy,” Sepulveda added.

Garcia said that Osmeña has issued a divisive statement in the creation of more districts which need not be divisive.

Garcia said that Osmeña is irrelevant while other congressmen are in consensus to work together to add more representations in Congress for great advantage of Cebu.

“Mr. Congressman, when will you gather the guts to stand in plenary session and deliver a privilege speech before your colleagues?,” Garcia asked.    (FREEMAN NEWS)