Sitoy says yes, Pelaez says no to Mactan’s conversion

CEBU, Philippines - Cordova town Mayor Atty. Adelino “Addy” Sitoy favors the creation of the province of Mactan, while LP Chairman Efrain Pelaez predicts more anomalies if it pushes through.

Sitoy said the plan of newly elected Congresswoman of the Lone District of Lapu-Lapu City Aileen Radaza is a good move but it needs to be studied vis-à-vis the municipality of Cordova.

Sitoy said he will attend any public hearing in relation to the conversion so that Cordova officials will have the opportunity to express their sentiments on the proposal.

He said Cordova can gain from the conversion by becoming a district in the province of Mactan.

On the other hand, LP chairman and Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry founder Efrain Pelaez downplayed the idea saying he sees Radaza relatives and close friends occupying government positions and spending people’s money for their own interests.

Pelaez advised the congresswoman to concentrate on finding solutions to problems facing the district especially the delivery of basic needs.

“The idea is only meant to perpetuate themselves, the Radaza family members, in power in all positions they can fill in and tap new and wider sources of corruption. Province-hood is not the solution to the woes — the cancer — of Lapu-Lapu City. It is in transparent governance, effective management, and passionate leadership,” Pelaez added.

But Mayor Paz Radaza said the conversion creation will be another stepping stone to uplift the development of the city as far as the income in each local government that will be created is concerned. (FREEMAN)