Same tune for Balili lots; PJ vows a ‘different style’

What do you intend to do with the Balili lots?

Asked yesterday about his plans for the controversial 25-hectare land purchase in Naga City, gubernatorial candidate Rep.Pablo John Garcia said he wanted to use it to generate jobs and “stimulate the economy” since it was already declared an “economic zone”.

Garcia said there were “serious investors” looking at it for a waste-to-energy project but got stuck after his sister Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia was suspended in December 2012 for an administrative case. (“The acting governor (Agnes Magapale) does not want it touched.”)

Part of the former resort has been backfilled and made into coal ash waste pits, now idle due to a Sandiganbayan graft case.

In Round 4  of the Mega Cebu Candidates Forum yesterday, Garcia was asked in the open forum what he would do with the Balili lots purchased in 2008 for almost P100 million, but which was later exposed as mostly underwater and an irregular deal.

Pablo John echoed Gwendolyn’s position that the land had economic potential that should be used, not mentioning its legal troubles in the graft case.

He was asked later how similar or different his administration would be from his sister’s if he’s elected in May 13.

“It will be very different,” he said, “We are different persons.”

The 3rd district congressman said he had a “different style” from his eldest sister but the “substance”, of her programs was worth continuing.

He said Gwen accomplished her 10-point action program in her nine-year term , which he hopes to follow.

“Style is a different matter altogether,” he added, without elaborating.

Gwen is running for the the 3rd congressional district seatwhich  her brother is vacating in June.