CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City Council has granted Mayor Johnny De los Reyes authority to negotiate a loan for the construction of new Tabunok Public Market but only if he complies with the legislative department's requirements.
The council has allowed De los Reyes to enter into a loan with Land Bank of the Philippines to finance the construction of the market which costs P350 million, however, it also asked the mayor to submit a feasibility study on the project's viability in all aspects.
The committee that tackled the proposal to give De los Reyes authority was comprised of Villarante as the council presiding officer and Councilors Danilo F. Caballero, Valeriano Q. Ylanan, Richard Francis F. Aznar, Socrates C. Fernandez, Dennis B. Basillote, Edward S. Alesna, Aldin M. Diaz, Doroteo S. Emit, Antonio D. Bacaltos, Jr., Eduardo Gullas III and Raul C. Cabañero.
"In order to construct the new public market, a loan may be necessary to cover for the cost of the construction," the resolution read, but "the committee wanted to ensure that the city is capable of paying the amortization of the loan and that the market is profitable without adding much burden on taxpayers."
Is it feasible?
In its eight-page report, the committee unanimously agreed that a third party and independent consultant should be hired to conduct a feasibility study considering that no architectural design has yet been submitted for the council to consider.
Council members noted that it would be best that the design must match satisfactorily the basis for the amount loaned.
"The council feels that part of its inherent function and with the principle of check and balance, it deemed obligated itself to determine whether or not such project is correct, timely and feasible because at the end they will be responsible to the people, and with this cautious move, the mayor will likewise be protected," the report read.
The committee as a whole suggested that a consultation with other sectors of the community will first have to be conducted to provide guidance to the council and the mayor so immediate and basic needs can be addressed properly.
"The council wanted the executive [department] to coordinate with them in the planning stage of the construction so that any doubts will be addressed and mistakes filtered and avoided," the report read.
Villarante said series of consultations and committee hearings were conducted before they came up with the agreement.
The committee as a whole also pointed out that detailed engineering shall proceed only on the basis of the feasibility or preliminary engineering study made, which establishes the technical viability of the project and conformance to land use and zoning guidelines prescribed by existing laws.
Separate BAC
Furthermore, the City Council will recommend to the mayor to comply with the Procurement Law (RA 9184), requiring the proposed New Talisay City/Tabunok Public Market to be within the Annual Investment Plan and approved budget, duly planned and included in the Annual Procurement Plan.
A separate Bids and Awards Committee is also recommended, Villarante said, adding that the mayor should also create the Design and Build Committee composed of highly technical personnel experienced in the field of architecture, engineering and construction in the particular type of project to be bid.
In a separate interview, City Administrator John Yre de los Reyes told The FREEMAN they welcome the development made by the City Council.
De los Reyes said the mayor will comply with all the necessary recommendations made by the council.
"We welcome their recommendation and we will comply with it. We are expected to submit the feasibility study by next week to the City Council for their approval," De los Reyes said.