The controversial issue on the swapping of lots between the Province of Cebu and Cebu City that bogged down due to the statement of Vice Mayor Mayor Mike Rama when he commented "Ang Province modawat ra og limpyo ani". Misquoted or not, Vice Mayor Rama just saved the day for the Governor, Vice Governor and the rest of the Provincial Board.
To start with, the fair market value of the Provincial lots is more than one billion pesos while that of the City of Cebu is only P470 million. In terms of value for money, the Province of Cebu will stand to lose more than P530 million, and that is not peanuts.
Next, talking of the area involved, the province-owned lots has a total area of 435,991 square meters, scattered across 11 barangays, while the Cebu City lot has an area of 33,740 square meters, and is located at the North Reclamation Area. In short, 43.5 hectares of land to be swapped with a measly three hectares! It is inequitable exchange.
If pushed through, the Provincial Government will stand to lose more than 80 percent in terms of land per square meter. A transaction that can qualify as grossly disadvantageous to the Provincial Government.
It is indeed an actionable wrong. Any person residing in the Province of Cebu or qualified voter can question this kind of transaction or the Ombudsman for that matter can conduct its own investigation surrounding the deal. A possible suspension of the officials involved is lurking in the dark.
To the occupants of the Provincial lots, be happy for your day was saved. Governor Gwen Garcia and the past governors were very lenient in dealing with occupants of provincial lots who failed to pay the rentals on time or those who have not paid at all. At least no actions were taken on the matter at this point in time.
If we are to help the occupants of the Provincial lots, the Province of Cebu need not pass its responsibility to the City Government. The Provincial Government can deal with the Commission on Rural Poor for its acquisition with the City Government behind in putting up the infrastructure needed. This would have been the logical conclusion.
Atty. Enric Rama
Former Vice Governor of Cebu