Garganera questions timing of Tumulak’s measure

CEBU, Philippines — An opposition Cebu City councilor questioned yesterday the timing of Councilor David Tumulak’s resolution, requesting Mayor Tomas Osmeña to put an end to all South Road Properties-related cases.

Councilor Joel Garganera wondered why Tumulak is rushing to pass the measure. The former hinted that the incoming midterm elections have something to do with it.

“Why the rush? Nganong dali-dalion man? Hapit na ang election?” he asked.

Garganera believes Tumulak proposed the measure upon instruction of Osmeña to “camouflage” all cases involving the real issue of  the  45-hectare SRP  lot sale.

“That is just to camouflage the issue. The real issue here is the 45-hectare lot sale. He’s (Osmeña) just trying to camouflage it with other SRP issues. What he did two years ago is going nowhere. The case he filed, it’s going nowhere. The extent of damage in the city, the potential income, the potential employment,” Garganera said.

“And then karon, he (Osmeña) sits on the developmental permit for two years na ba. He’s going nowhere. That’s the center piece. He’s just trying to camouflage it. Laktod pagkasulti, talawan kaayo siya mo angkon sa iyang sayop,” he added.

Garganera claimed that Councilor Sisinio Andales, an ally of the administration, admitted that Tumulak’s resolution was a “party decision.” Andales was referring to the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

Tumulak clarified that no one influenced him to lobby the resolution.

SUPPORT

While he questioned the timing, Garganera said he is amenable to the gist of the proposed resolution, adding that he has been among the legislators pushing for the developments of the 45-hectare SRP lot bought by three giants— Ayala Land, Cebu Holdings Inc. and SM Prime Holdings and the Filinvest Land Inc.

The councilor said he will support Tumulak’s proposed resolution as long as the opposition councilors will be apprised on the cases that the administration wants to settle amicably. Tumulak wants the mayor to put an end to all cases involving the SRP to “revitalize” the investor’s confidence in the city government.

These include the consignation case filed by SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Ayala Land, Inc., and Cebu Holdings, Inc.; prohibition with application for issuance of a temporary restraining order and a writ of preliminary injunction filed by Councilor Joel Garganera; mandamus and prohibition with application for an ex-parte 72-hour TRO, writ of preliminary injunction, and/ status quo ante order filed by SM against Osmeña and others; grave misconduct and serious dishonesty filed by Ramil Ayuman against Osmeña; and declaratory relief filed by Romulo Torres against the City Council.

Others are for deceits under the Revised Penal Code filed by the city against SM; for petition for review on certiorari filed by the city against spouses of Roque Ting; and collection of sum of money of the spouses of Roque and Fatima Ting against the city government.

Challenge

While saying he’s happy with the “change of decision of the mayor,” Garganera dared Osmeña to publicly announce the plan to enter into a compromise agreement with the three giant firms.

Garganera said Osmeña is the same mayor who has been vocal on his stand that the lot sale was “invalid and illegal.”

Andales said BOPK members decided to request Osmeña to enter into a compromise agreement with all the parties of the cases involving SRP.

 “It is a party decision, we want to kuan gyud, limpyuhan ang property,” he said.

He said Osmeña reportedly consulted with his lawyers, including the City Legal Office, as to the request.

“Only fools don’t change. Change of heart, change of everything, we are not getting younger. Siguro tan-aw siguro ni Tommy there is light in every tunnel, ma-settle ra hopefully,” Andales said.

He added that all BOPK councilors will support Tumulak’s proposed resolution, which will be filed next week.  The mayor’s wife, Councilor Margarita Osmeña, said the resolution is just a request and it’s up to the mayor to whether or not heed the call.

Last Tuesday, Tumulak’s resolution was not included in the main council agenda as it failed to meet the deadline for the submission, which was Friday last week.

But Tumulak tried to file his resolution in the council’s amendment portion, which is usually tackled after the approval of the suspension of the House Rules and before the adjournment of the session.

Ten BOPK-allied councilors failed to reach the 12 votes needed to suspend the House Rules that will pave the way for the presentation and filing of Tumulak’s resolution. — KBQ (FREEMAN)