Garcia: Negotiations on 93-1 lots done

CEBU, Philippines — While questions remain about the fate of the 93-1 beneficiaries, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has maintained that the issue has already been “resolved” in terms of negotiations.

In an interview with DYHP on Wednesday, Garcia said there is no legal basis to lower the negotiated loan amount for the procurement of lands intended for the 93-1 beneficiaries. He clarified that the Cebu City Government no longer control the procurement process, which is now under the jurisdiction of the Cebu Provincial Government, with the city merely assisting in the legal proceedings.

The process involves several requirements from the Pag-IBIG Fund, including tax declarations and subdivision plans. Garcia said these documents have already been provided to the occupants. He also confirmed that residents from the Kalunasan lot have agreed to pay the negotiated price of approximately P12,000 per square meter.

“In so far as that is concern, na resolba na gyud, ing-ana lang gyud ang pamaagi,” said Garcia.

Garcia's remarks followed his signing of an Executive Order establishing the 93-1 Action Center and Helpdesk. The center is tasked with providing assistance to residents on legal matters following the finalized negotiations with the government.

“In kaso lang og kinahanglan gihapon sila og tabang gikan sa syudad sa Sugbo regarding sa ilang requirements or even to connect them with the Provincial Government or Pag-IBIG, naghimo nata og task force for that,” he added.

Addressing the previously proposed land-swap agreement between the Cebu City Government and Cebu Province—which would have authorized the city to handle procurement and pricing—Garcia said the city cannot independently set the land cost. That authority lies with Pag-IBIG and the Commission on Audit (COA).

“Di gihapon ta makapatuyang og paubos kay ang mga government officials na ang ma liable ana,” said Garcia.

He explained that the land swap was revoked due to the absence of COA’s consent, which is necessary for such transactions since the commission determines the land valuation.

“And besides, ang Provincial Government, ni withdraw na sa ilang (gi sign), naa na silay board resolution,” Garcia stated.

He emphasized that the withdrawal was signed by Vice Governor Hilario P. Davide III, who, along with former Mayor Tomas Osmeña, had originally signed the land swap deal during his term as governor.

On the same day, the Cebu City Council sought clarification from the City Legal Office regarding the government’s ownership of the 93-1 lots, after questions were raised about the legality of the revocation.

This move stemmed from a privilege speech by Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera during a regular session. Pesquera noted that with the term of the current city officials ending in June 2025, ahead of the midterm elections, immediate action is necessary.

She urged the City Legal Office to provide guidance to the council on how to proceed and to clarify the current status of the 93-1 lots. — (FREEMAN)