SRP development: Tom blocks consortium registration with PEZA

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña is opposed to the registration of a 26-hectare mixed-use development in the South Road Properties with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as special economic zone.

The City Council approved last week a resolution giving its consent to the consortium of Ayala Land, Cebu Holdings Inc. and SM Prime Holdings to register with PEZA. The resolution was sponsored by Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera, chairperson of the committee on budget and finance.

Osmeña said it would be anomalous to allow the registration of the consortium with PEZA.

 "Apparently, we had a major mistake approving these PEZA buildings because there's abuse. Abuse comes in two forms. One, they are not exporters, unsay ilahang gi-export, why should they get PEZA approval. Are they exporting something?" the mayor said.

  He said that call centers maybe considered because they are exporting services but it would create a disaster if the consortium's development project gets PEZA registration. He cited the IT Park where he said, parking has been a major disaster and it is affecting the roads.

"Daghang buildings nga walay ka-parkingan, actually naa pero gamay kaayo. That will have an effect down the road so the answer is no," Osmeña told reporters.

The members of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan objected to the resolution of Pesquera citing some legal issues. Councilor Eugenio Gabuya would have wanted to wait for the legal opinion of the City Legal Office.

The members of the minority also cited the issue on the validity of the sale of the property to the consortium considering the case earlier filed by Romulo Torres. However, BOPK councilors were outvoted by the members of Team Rama.

The resolution, however, was substantially amended. Instead of the city government giving consent to the developers, it was only the City Council.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella will sign the certification endorsing the registration of the consortium with PEZA. The Council, however, reminded the developers to still comply with the regulatory laws and ordinances as well as secure the necessary permits and pay regulatory fees.

The consortium earlier asked the City Council's consent to be registered with PEZA. (FREEMAN)