DENR defers public hearing on Ciudad

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has deferred today’s scheduled public hearing on Ciudad Project’s application for the issuance of Environmental Compliance Certificate to a later date because of the request of Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young admitted asking the deferment from the DENR on behalf of Osmeña who requested him to ask for a 15-day postponement to give him time to attend. Young said Osmeña wanted to attend the public hearing but could not make it today because of the budget hearing in Congress.

“Ang-ang no, gidali-dali nila. Karon lang gi-inform nya ugma dayon ang meeting,” Young said in a text message to The FREEMAN.

He said they only got the notice of the public hearing last Wednesday afternoon. Young explained that under the law, it should be published within 15 days before the day of the public hearing.

“Nagminarunong sila, wala kabalo mas marunong ta,” Young further said.

Fifth Avenue Development Corp., the project developer, has scheduled the supposed public hearing today in Apas. The DENR will serve as moderator of the public hearing.

Despite the postponement, the developer will go on with the meeting considering that the other stakeholders are coming.

“Daghan naman gud mi napahibawo, late na kaayo kung magpahibawo mi nila nga di madayon, mangasuko unya,” said Jonjie Gonzales, the developer’s PR consultant.

Gonzales, however, said they will abide with the directive of DENR to have the public hearing on October 21. The Cebu City Council earlier requested the DENR to conduct public consultations before it issues ECC to anyone who wishes to construct infrastructure projects within the Banilad-Talamban areas.

The councilors are worried of the possible impact of the project to the traffic problem in the Banilad-Talamban area.  (FREEMAN)