Transfer of WTE facility a loss for Naga

CEBU, Philippines - The transfer of the proposed Waste-To-Energy (WTE) facility from the south to Danao City in the north is a big loss for Naga City, said third district Rep. Pablo John Garcia.

Garcia, who is running for governor under One Cebu Party said, except for the fact that acting governor Agnes Magpale is from Danao City, he finds no other reason for the transfer of the facility which was originally proposed at the Balili Property, now a special economic zone in Naga City.

Garcia said it deprives the residents of Naga City of the livelihood and employment the project proponent, Waste Management Inc. (WMI, has intended to provide.

Garcia’s allies, Provincial Board members Sun Shimura and Joven Mondigo Jr., vowed to discuss the matter once it will reach the PB.

Magpale has to ask for authority from the PB to enter into the deal.

The provincial legislators said it would be better if the next elected governor will be the one to decide on the matter, which involves an investment of US $150 million that could generate income for the Province amounting to P850 million in 25 years.

Suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia earlier explained that part of the Balili Property was to be rented by the private company at P30 per square meter, or P2.1 million a month, where a WTE plant will be constructed.

In December of last year, the PB passed a resolution sponsored by Board Member Alex Binghay authorizing Gwendolyn to execute and sign for and on behalf of the Province of Cebu an agreement with WMI.

However, the signing of the agreement did not push through when Malacañang slapped Gwendolyn with a six-month suspension on December 19, 2012.

Gwendolyn also has pending criminal case before the Sandiganbayan related to the alleged anomalous purchase of the Balili Property.

With litigations concerning the controversial Balili property still ongoing, WMI asked the Economic Enterprise Council if it is possible for them to have the project in an area in the northern part of Cebu.

Magpale, who now chairs the ECC, said WMI told her that they were not aware that the property that they were going to lease had some legal concerns.

WMI asked for permission from EEC if they could instead buy a property, preferably in Danao City or somewhere in the northern part of Cebu.

Magpale said that WMI is eyeing on a property in Danao which is within the vicinity of the industrial zone in the city where they would be using five hectares for the WTE plant.

Magpale said the change in location also means a major change in the contract signed by WMI and the provincial government including 13 mayors which means that they have to revisit the plans. —/MBG (FREEMAN)