City and province in talks over Fuente Rotunda issue

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has confirmed talks with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama over the ownership issue of the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda.

“Yes I will confirm what Mayor Mike Rama has told you. We have had initial exploratory talks regarding Fuente Osmeña,” Garcia said in a press conference yesterday.

Garcia did not give specifics except that she said, “rest assured that the direction is to arrive at a workable and collaborative solution.”

She also did not give the timeframe but definitely before the end of her term as governor of the Province of Cebu in 2013.

Rama earlier expressed confidence the provincial government will withdraw the case it filed in court, claiming ownership of the lot.

Garcia yesterday said that “it is always best to settle out of court where both parties arrive at a workable and collaborative solution.”

“Compromise is still the way to go. After all we are all in the same Cebu,” Garcia said.

Rama earlier said he does not need the City Council’s authority to negotiate, since he is merely discussing the matter with the governor.

Rama clarified there’s no need for him to ask for authority since he is only appealing to the governor to retract the case. Recent developments show an improving relationship between the Cebu City government and the provincial government, since Rama assumed office last year.

Lately, Garcia and Rama agreed to open the Larsian access road, which the province owns, on condition that the city returns the Capitol’s flatbed trailer that the City Traffic Operations and Management towed away.

Rama said once the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda ownership issue is resolved, he will find a way that the City and Capitol can also work together in developing the Cebu City Zoo.

The provincial government also claimed ownership of the seven-hectare lot occupied by the facility. (FREEMAN NEWS)