City council sends Soc request to committee

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez’s request to purchase a private lot for an access road was deferred yesterday by the city council for the reason that Rodi Cabigas,  chairman of the committee on infrastructure, was not in attendance for health reasons.

Any plan by the city to purchase anything needs the council’s approval.

Fernandez wants to purchase a property to make an access road through it that would lead to the new public market in barangay Lagtang.

Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, the council presiding officer, yesterday said the matter needs to be referred to the committees on infrastructure and market for study. 

Last September, the Talisay City council authorized the mayor to negotiate with lot owners Minerva Larawan, Socrates Larawan, and Rustom Larawan. 

In his letter addressed to Vice Mayor Bucao and the members of the city council, Fernandez said one of the reasons why he is eager to acquire the Lawaan lot is that the city wants to push through with the construction of a circumferential road from the new market to Mananga.

Fernandez said the “urgent measure is needed for the immediate implementation of the project.”

But the council can no longer act on the matter this year, he said. Bucao said the council session is already on its Christmas break.

However, Bucao said the mayor can ask the council to hold a special session if the necessity arises.  (FREEMAN)