CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The city council on Monday, September 25, deferred the proposed ordinance allowing the city government to discuss a loan for the land acquisition and development for the new city hall complex, saying “it is not urgent” and many questions should be raised.

THE executive building of the Cagayan de Oro City Hall in Barangay 1. (Franck Dick Rosete)

Councilor Agapito Eriberto Suan, who abstained from proposed Ordinance No. 2023-310, said there is no way to prioritize the transfer of city hall considering the pressing issues – socialized housing, traffic, flood control, employment, and social services, among others – that the city government is facing and should put into focus.

“We are very much capable of functioning in our city using this city hall as of now, but definitely not urgent. Maybe in the future, 10 or 20 years, yes, that is a very good and possible plan, but definitely not urgent," Suan said in an interview after the session.

The proposed ordinance certified urgent by Mayor Rolando Uy authorizes him to represent the city government in negotiating  a loan with the Landbank of the Philippines amounting to over P1.6 billion, of which P1,528,978,503 is for land acquisition and P110,748,781 for land development.

The proposed site for the city hall complex is located in Barangay Carmen, one of the biggest villages here, with a total land area of 292,350 square meters, but the proposed area needed for public purposes is only more or less 229,043 square meters.

Suan said that the city government, if the proposed ordinance is passed, will pay for the interest and amortization each month, hence, he wants to know further details about the plan.

COUNCILOR Jose Pepe Abbu Jr. raises questions about proposed Ordinance No. 2023-310 during the city council session on Monday, September 25. (Franck Dick Rosete)

Councilor Jose Pepe Abbu Jr. moved the proposed ordinance for deferment as he wanted to ask the local finance committee about the selling price of the land, saying that the offer-to-sell amount, based on the City Appraisal Committee’s report, is P6,500 per square meter but the Bureau of Internal Revenue zonal value is only worth P3,500 per square meter.

He also wanted to ask if those rolling and moderate-slope lands have the same offer-to-sell amount as the flat land which is P6,500 per square meter.

“I guess we have to discuss this matter thoroughly in this plenary, Madam Presiding Officer, considering that I for myself would want to understand why this is so huge (the amount to loan),” Abbu said.

Despite Uy certifying the proposed ordinance as urgent, Abbu didn’t see any urgency in the matter, as it wouldn’t bring any harm if the legislative department approved it at a later time and once it is clarified.

Uy, who has been supported by some local officials here, wants to transfer the city hall to a more spacious area that can be called a one-stop shop with different city government offices. He is also aiming for an area with a better parking space that would conveniently serve city hall clients.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, during his visit to this city in August, committed in front of city officials a budget for a brand-new city hall. Uy thanked Zubiri for the support.

Councilor Romeo Calizo backed the motion raised by Abbu and had no objections from the other members of the council. The matter was referred to the committees on finance, budget, and appropriations, and ways and means for further discussion.