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THE CEBU City Council has opted to postpone any decision to resolve the boundary dispute of barangays Lahug and Luz for lack of a “comprehensive study.”
Councilor Edgar Labella, chairman of the committee on laws of the City Council, said it was premature to decide on something that needs further study.
Barangays Lahug and Luz both claim jurisdiction of the Grand Convention Center along Archbishop Reyes Ave.
The boundary dispute is pending before the Committee on Three of the South District, a special committee of the City Council.
Both barangays claim that since GrandCon is located within their jurisdiction, they can collect fees from barangay clearance applications and get a share of the real estate tax paid to the city government.
Members of the Committee on Three include Councilors Gerardo Carillo, Raul Alcoseba and Roberto Cabarrubias.
Citing a report by the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), Carillo told the council that barangay Luz collects garbage and manages traffic at GrandCon.
Carillo said that the delineation of the two barangays should be based on who delivers basic services to the disputed area instead of basing it on roads, streets or infrastructure.
Citing the committee's report, Carillo said “using roads and infrastructure to define boundaries is antiquated. Advanced technology makes it possible to establish points and lines on the map and on the ground with accuracy.”
But he said consultation is needed before any change is made according to Sec. 10, Article X of the 1987 Constitution.
The committee also wants to see a clearer copy of the 1965 Cebu City map.
They are also requesting copies of maps from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the City Assessors Office and precinct maps from the Commission on Election for comparison.
They want the CPDO to identify existing boundaries of the two barangays using these maps.
Carillo said they also need to consult with the affected residents of the two barangays before passing an ordinance to declare new boundaries.
The City Council requested the committee to further study the matter and submit another report.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama said he wondered how the committee could resolve the boundary dispute by requesting various maps.
“If the maps have different features how do you reconcile the desire for altercation (of boundaries)? The Comelec map may not be the same as the DENR map,” Rama said.
