Capitol Wants COA to Join CICC Assessment

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III now wants the Commission on Audit (COA) to be involved in the assessment of the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) to avoid being questioned later on if the Capitol finally decides to dispose the mammoth property.

“Maypa tingali paapilon ang COA para di ta masangit sa. Maypa tingali ang COA pa assess-on ana,” said Davide in an interview with the media.

Davide’s statement came after Mandaue City’s assessment to the CICC is only P200 million, a far cry from Capitol’s P600 million, despite the building’s current state.

“Apilon nalang ang COA gyud para masiguro di ta ma-question nga ibaligya nato at a cheap price. Alkanse ang probinsya,” the governor said.

The CICC, built during the time of former Gov. Gwen Garcia for the 2007 ASEAN Summit, cost the province more than P800 million. After the said international event, the building, which sits along the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, was used as a venue for product exhibits, concerts, school events and others, until it was damaged by last year’s earthquake and typhoon.

After those series of calamities, the property has been unused and has not since been repaired.

Davide earlier said the Capitol will no longer spend for its repair or maintenance considering that it is not earning ever since.

Mandaue City, through its District Affairs consultant Carlo Fortuna reasoned that their appraise value of the property is already minus the cost of the repair, which is pegged at more than P100 million.

Mandaue has already expressed interest in buying the property to be used as an exhibit venue for local products.

Davide said he already met with Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes last July 7 and that they talked about “engaging a private firm to assess the property…with the participation of COA.”