Japanese retirement facility City Council shows full support for project

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella is positive that the construction of the P1.4 billion-worth Japanese retirement facility at the South Road Properties (SRP) will push through.

This after majority of the Cebu City council expressed yesterday their support to the city government’s project, though it will still go under scrutiny during the executive session on Tuesday.

“It’s a very healthy sign,” said Labella when asked for his comment on the council’s support.

The vice mayor himself said though that they need to discuss the terms and reference and look into the details of the project, which is expected to bring much-needed revenue to add to the city’s coffers.

As presented by Japanese investors, the facility, which would be built on a 1.25 hectare property at the SRP, would give the city government a total projected revenue of P32 billion in its 25-year lease.

The construction of the project is expected to start on the second quarter of 2015 and projected to be finished by 2017.

Labella, in his privilege speech during the regular session of the city council yesterday, claimed that the city has a mission- to advance the city’s development.

“It is no secret that we are two families in one house now. But we have a common mission here... with partisan politics aside, each of us look forward to see that the city’s coffers have increased,” the vice mayor stressed.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, after Labella’s speech, was among those who assured the vice mayor of his support to the project, but appealed that the council be open if they make suggestions and not associate it on political affiliations.

“Di lang unta ihisgot ang pulitika kung duna gani suggestion ang konseho. Please give us the benefit of the doubt because we just work on our mandate and the Cebuanos can hold as accountable in such critical issues,” said Dizon.

In response, Labella said that he “never doubted the objectivity, open-mindedness, and transparency of the council.”

“…and I’m very proud of that,” he added.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña also assured Labella of her support, while also suggesting that it be ensured that the project would benefit the Cebuanos.

Councilors Hans Abella, Gerardo Carillo , Noel Wenceslao, Nida Cabrera, Lea Japson, James Anthony Cuenco also expressed their support to the project.

Should there be no more questions against the project on Tuesday, Labella said the council will draft a resolution authorizing the Mayor to approve the start of the construction of the retirement facility. —(FREEMAN)