Loren, Luigi to help turn Consolacion into a city

CEBU, Philippines - Senator Loren Legarda and sixth district Representative Luis Gabriel Quisumbing support the conversion of Consolacion town into a city.

Legarda, during a press conference at the residence of mayoralty candidate Theresa Alegado, expressed her willingness to support the conversion of Consolacion town into a city as long as it meets the requirements.

But since such bills originate from the Lower House, Legarda said she will just wait for a bill that is filed in Congress.

Legarda made known her willingness to support the conversion when sixth district representative Luis Gabriel Quisumbing expressed his interest for Consolacion’s conversion.

Quisumbing, who is also seeking re-election in the May 13 elections, said once he wins again, he will look into the matter.

Quisumbing said he does not want to rush the filing of the bill for the city’s conversion as he does not want to see a repetition of what happened a few years back to the 16 cities that met several problems.

Several years back, the League of Cities in the Philippines petitioned the High Court to nullify the newly converted 16 cities for allegedly failing to meet the income requirement for the conversion of cities, as stated in R.A. 9009.

The amended law increased the income requirement from P20 million to P100 million, which all 16 new cities did meet while still towns.

The cities of Bogo, Naga, and Carcar in Cebu province were then among the 16 newly converted cities in 2007.

“Among ganahan nga once we convert the town into a city wa nay legal impediments, so that the town of Consolacion will be converted in a hassle-free manner,” Quisumbing said.

He said that once it gets to the point that the town is already qualified, a referendum will be held to see if residents agree to its conversion.

Quisumbing said that an initial study showed Consolacion falling short in the income aspect.

He hopes that by this time, the town has already met the requirement.

The latest census also shows the town failing to meet the provision on population.

However, proponents expect more people to migrate to the town owing to the progress and development of neighboring Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities.

Many would also prefer to live in Consolacion because the cost of living is cheaper.  (FREEMAN)