Balili Controversy: Capitol exec assures docs

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Administrator Eduardo Habin has assured the Provincial Board that he will furnish the body a copy of the contract for the ongoing development at the Balili property once he secures a copy of the document.

Habin’s assurance came following a privilege motion of Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy for the executive department to produce the document.

Wednesday last week, Sitoy and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale visited the property in Naga City to “verify rumors” on certain developments, which the Board does not know of.

In his privilege speech  during the Board’s regular session yesterday, Sitoy likened the controversy to the movie “Breaking Dawn” because of the mysteries that surround it and the many questions that remain unanswered.

“We the viewers to that picture of the so-called Balili ‘restoration or reclamation’ are in the blind of the plot. It has the makings of a bad movie,” Sitoy said.

Sitoy said that with the development, the Balili property could be a fish pond now becoming a farm or a port becoming a desert or a disposal center for coal ash becoming a subdivision or an airport.

He reiterated that the Board was neither briefed about the recent project nor was informed where the funds for it come from. He said the Board should have been informed considering that the project concerns an area that is the subject of cases pending before the Sandiganbayan.

“The Provincial Board should have been warned of the horrendous repercussions of the project,” Sitoy said. He said the project could be a step closer to jail.

Sitoy alleged that no one in the executive department has been transparent about the project because the department heads refused to appear before the PB session four times.

“We were advised that during the budget hearings, department heads will only appear in closed-door sessions? Just like closed-restoration work or secret goat raising!” Sitoy said.

He is hoping that all department heads will be allowed to appear before the Board to answer questions in open session during the budget hearings, as what has been practiced.

Board Member Julian Daan said the questions have already been answered by Rep. Pablo John Garcia, but Sitoy insisted that the latter’s statement was not an official statement from Capitol.

Asked how he would address the issue if he were Governor, Sitoy said the best way is to consult the people of Cebu. —(FREEMAN)