Critics invited as Gwen tackles Balili today

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has invited her critics and various sectors to her presentation on the site development plan of the Balili property at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City today.

Also invited are Vice Governor Agnes Magpale and all the Provincial Board members especially those who raised questions on the said development.

“Akong panghinaut labi na ang nagbutang-butang ug malisyoso nga akusasyon, I just hope motunga sila aron makakita ug unsa gyud diay ni,” Garcia said. (I hope those who raised malicious accusations will attend so they will see what this is all about.)

If her critics will not attend, Garcia said it’s up to the public to judge them. The media and the business sector are also invited in today’s presentation.

At the general assembly of mayors, vice mayors and barangay captains held at the CICC yesterday, Rep. Pastor Alcover Jr. of Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (Anad) Partylist, lashed out Garcia’s critics on Balili issue.

Alcover said that the critics are just taking advantage of the Balili issue without looking at the bigger contribution of Garcia in achieving peace in Cebu Province against insurgency.

Alcover said that since 1980s, neither Osmeña nor Davide have faced the insurgency problem until Garcia declared the all out war.

He is apparently referring to Cebu City Rep. Tomas Osmeña and gubernatorial candidate Hilario Davide III whom he alleged as being supported by leftist partylist groups.

“Kalayo ra ang isyu sa Balili, di makab-ot ang kalamboan sa Sugbo kung way kalinaw,” Alcover said. (We couldn’t have achieved this progress without peace.)

Garcia decided to make a presentation to enlighten Magpale and PB Member Arleigh Sitoy who raised questions on the issue.

Garcia earlier wondered why Sitoy did not bother to ask questions when the item was submitted with the 2012 budget for approval to the PB last year.

The governor reiterated that once the PB approves the budget, the executive department can implement the projects as stated on the appropriations ordinance without need for further approval from the board.

The Balili property in Tinaan, Naga City was already declared for development into an economic zone.

In the 2010 annual budget, about P60 million was appropriated for the “Airport, Seaport and other Economic Enterprise Site Development Program.”

The said budget already included the cost of the development plan implemented in some portions of the Balili property.

Few weeks ago, Magpale and Sitoy went to the Balili property and allegedly led a cause-oriented group who held a rally inside the province-owned lot.—(FREEMAN)