Politics may hamper fate of P387M loan

CEBU, Philippines - Political squabbling between Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes and the city council is threatening the execution of a proposed P387 million worth of loan intended to finance the construction of the Tabunok Public Market.

Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, the council presiding officer and an ally of the mayor, was offended by the mayor's memorandum directing the city council to submit a report on market development plan of the Tabunok within 15 days.

"It is hereby imperative as chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Market Development Plan of the City of  Talisay, that within 15 days from receipt of this memorandum, your committee be able to provide a full length written report of your research study and strategic plan on the development and construction of the Tabunok Public Market," read the memorandum dated March 11.

The mayor's memo was also furnished to Councilors Danilo Caballero, chairman of the committee on market, and Doroteo Emit, chairman of the committee on labor, trade and industry.

Villarante said the mayor's directive can be ignored citing that the city council already created a committee as a whole to study on what action to take relative to the multi-million loan from the bank.

"His memorandum can be ignored because he's already going beyond his authority. He has no right to dictate us on what to do. We, as a whole, already constitute as a committee to study the proposed loan and for the construction of the market," Villarante said.

De los Reyes wanted Villarante, Caballero and Emit to submit their evaluation report and comparison with other studies before the final deadline on March 26.

However, Villarante pointed out that "you cannot just approve a project and make a report in one sitting." He said that it needs thorough study and series of talks to ensure that it will really benefit the city and its residents.

The mayor needs to understand that there is a separation between the executive and legislative branches and the city council is doing its share in order to ensure smooth implementation of the project, according to Villarante.

Villarante said if the mayor wanted to speed up the loan agreement, the council might end up not supporting his request giving him the authority to enter into an agreement with the banking institution.

The vice mayor said there are other options that can be considered even without loaning from a bank.

"Pwede ra man ipa-repair nato ang merkado and construct a drainage there or the mayor can ask Malacañang, through the Regional Development Council, to finance the construction of the market," Villarante said.

If the city council gives authority to the mayor to negotiate with any government bank institution, the city will be paying P5 million a month for a period of 10 years.

For his part, De los Reyes earlier said the project is long overdue.

Currently, there are two banks offering a loan grant of P387 million for the four-storey market's construction, namely the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of  the Philippines.  (FREEMAN)