Gwen not opposing Lapu-Lapu reclamation

Capitol information consultant Rory John Sepulveda denied allegation of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña that Governor Gwendolyn Garcia “is just jealous” of Lapu-Lapu City’s reclamation project.

Sepulveda said Garcia has no opposition to the reclamation project and, in fact, she is inviting Osmeña to attend the next Regional Development Council meeting on the project.

“We repeat, there is no personal opposition by the governor regarding the project…opposition  lang sa majority (RDC),” Sepulveda said.

Sepulveda explained that the project must first pass through the RDC in the same way that Osmeña’s South Road Properties had passed through the RDC before.

“SRP has its own shortcomings. The present administration’s idea of development does not match with the private developers,” he said.

Sepulveda also presented a report from Lapu-Lapu City on the project to the National Economic Development Authority which was later submitted to the governor.

The report stated that “the city (Lapu-Lapu) does not intend to enter into loans for the implementation of Mactan North Reclamation and Development Project (MNRDP). It will be bidded out to private properties according to the conditions set by PRA and the city.”

The RDC submitted two resolutions appealing to President Gloria Arroyo to suspend the P10.2 billion Mactan North Reclamation and Development Project during its meeting last month.

The resolutions asked Arroyo to re-evaluate her decision to approve the MNRDP and put off its implementation until the requirements have been met.

The RDC said there was no consultation with the stakeholders and the RDC to determine the feasibility when the project was presented to President Arroyo for approval. — Joy Kareen Saliente/LPM