Paz reacts to sending of demand letter

CEBU, Philippines - Meanwhile, despite reported differences of stand on the same issue, Mayor Radaza yesterday said she respected the action of the City Council demanding Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority to pay in full its alleged P1.7 billion worth of unpaid property taxes.

Mayor Radaza issued the reaction after she was informed that Lapu-Lapu City Treasurer Elenita Catagcatag went to the airport on Monday to hand the demand letter to MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete asking the airport authority to pay their obligations in full.

Aside from the demand letter she signed herself, Catagcatag also handed copy of the resolution passed by the City Council which demanded the same thing.

Mayor Radaza admitted she was not aware of the Catagcatag's visit to the airport, but the mayor said the latter explained her side in a meeting.

Catagcatag was on leave when Villarete visited City Hall and handed the P88 million check representing the first trance of the airport payment to the city government.

"I respected any action of the City Council because they have separate duties and responsibilities from the legislative branch," said Mayor Radaza.

City Hall observers say Mayor Radaza and the City Council have different takes on the issue. However, the mayor denied insinuations that there is a conflict between her and members of the City Council.