Ordinance seeks to prevent repeat of Balili case

A PROPOSED ordinance that would ensure transparency in any new purchase of land by the Capitol was introduced in the the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) yesterday.

The sponsor, PB Member Grecilda Sanchez-Zaballero, cited the controversial P98.9 million purchase of the Balili property in Naga City, as the basis for the proposed law.

The 2008 purchase of land which turned out to be mostly underwater, is the subject of a graft case in the Sandiganbyan against former Cebu governor and now Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district and seven others.

The proposed ordinance requires the Cebu governor to hold negotiations for property purchases during office hours and only in the governor’s office.

Provincial officials are also prohibited from brokering or receiving commissions for a lot purchase.

The governor has the prerogative to determine the need to acquire real property that is beneficial to the province but the purchase has to be reviewed and approved by the Provincial Board.

Before the actual purchase, the Provincial Appraisal Committee (PAC) should first inspect the property and complete a report of its features to the governor.

Once the governor approves the report, a resolution authorizing the governor to start negotiations with the property owner will be subject to approval before the PB and will undergo “thorough discussion and deliberation before the board.”

The agreement and the deed of sale will also undergo PB review.

Violators could face disciplinary action or preventive suspension. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos