Another senator to also sponsor bill on MCDA

CEBU, Philippines - At least two senators have signified intention to sponsor House Bill 6627 creating the Metro Cebu Development Authority, that is, if they make it to the next term after the May 9 elections.

In the Mega Cebu meeting yesterday, Engr. Fortunato Sanchez Jr. revealed that Senator Teofisto Guingona Jr. is also willing to sponsor the bill. Sanchez is the chairman of the sub-committee on infrastructure and utilities of the Metro Cebu Development and Coordinating Board.

Senator Sergio Osmeña III had already expressed interest to sponsor the bill.

Guingona’s name emerged after Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy, during yesterday’s meeting, asked as to who will sponsor the bill at the Senate level.

Present during the meeting were members from the Embassy of Japan, Japan International Cooperation Agency, national and local media, government officials and other stakeholders of MCDCB.

Sanchez, in an interview with reporters after the meeting, said he had initial talks with Guingona.

“Nagkaistorya na mi ni Senator Guingona nga even last year, I informed him that we will propose to create the Metro Cebu Development Authority. Pagkabihawo niya, ana siya ‘mo-sponsor ko ana kay Bisaya man ko.’ Proven na iyang support sa Cebu,” said Sanchez.

Evelyn Nacario-Castro, executive director of MCDCB-Research Program and Organizational Development, welcomed the senators’ commitment to sponsor the Senate version of the bill.

Principally authored by Cebu City north district Representative Raul del Mar, HB 6627 was approved in February at the committee level of the House of Representatives. A counterpart bill at the Senate has to be presented also.

“There is also another senator so we have two more or less but still, it may be premature to declare it. But at least there is already support coming from some senators. I mean, we’re not just declaring it yet since it needs good timing,” said Castro.

Castro clarified that talks with the senators were only informal and that no formal requests have been made yet.

“Wala pa lang sa namo gi-divulge since the House version, kinahanglan man siya i-refile. When it’s refiled, that’s the time that we also need to officially get the senators,” Castro explained. — (FREEMAN)