Cebu Council Defers Approval of MOA on Land-Swap Deal with Cebu Capitol

The Cebu City Council has voted to defer the approval of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Cebu City Government and Cebu Provincial Government on the 93-1 land swap that will address the plight of some 5,000 families living in province-owned lots in the city.

Cebu City Councilor Jose Daluz III moved that the MOA be referred to the Council’s ad hoc committee on 93-1 before the approval to allow the members to review the agreement and talk to the beneficiaries.

Councilor Nendell Hanz Abella opposed the move of Daluz, prompting Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella to proceed with the voting process.

Councilors Daluz, James Cuenco, Raymond Garcia, Jocelyn Pesquera, Jerry Guardo, Pastor Alcover Jr., Philip Zafra and Joel Garganera, members of the majority bloc, voted in favor of the motion.

Members of the minority bloc including Councilors Margarita Osmeña, Sisinio Andales, Eugenio Gabuya, Alvin Arcilla and Joy Augustus Young, voted against it.

Councilors Abella and Dave Tumulak also voted against the motion.

Since there was a tie, Labella had to break it and voted in favor of the motion.

Cebu City Mayor Osmeña and Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III signed the MOA last week.

The MOA needs the approval of both the Cebu City Council and the Cebu Provincial Board. (PNA)LAP/EB/EBP