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A comparison between plans for the Balili property and the proposed Transaxial Highway of Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez in a scheduled presentation before the Provincial Board is “inappropriate” at this time, a board member said yesterday.
“(Saying) that the Balili property projects are inferior to the Transaxial Highway project, I'm really sorry to say, is not the issue that we are supposed to discuss now,” PB Member Jose Ma. Gastardo told CEBU DAILY NEWS.
Gastardo said it was best that the board’s ad hoc committee looking into the Balili estate purchase should be allowed to to submit the results of their inquiry.
The board was unable to continue with hearing testimonies on the Balili land case after it invited Rep. Pablo Garcia of Cebu's 2nd district to give a presentation about laws and jurisprudence in defense of the transaction, which he said is backed by laws that allow the purchase of wetlands.
But Sanchez remains unconvinced, saying the Capitol should rescind the contract and negotiate for a lower price on the property that consisted mostly of timberland and wetlands.
Capitol consultant Rory Jon Sepulveda said Governor Garcia was adamant about pursuing the development projects in the Balili beach property in Naga City, which includes among others a coal ash facility and a seaport.
In his presentation, Sanchez said he wants to show that planned development for the Balili property was already included in the pre-feasibility study of his proposed Transaxial Highway.
Gastardo said he would prefer that the board share their views on the issue and submit a report and a recommendation to the governor.
A component of the P50 billion Transaxial Highways proposal is the establishment of a 550-hectare reclamation in the foreshores of Talisay City (140 has.), Minglanilla (310 has.) and Naga City (100 has.)
Sanchez said Minglanilla town is more suitable for an international port because it has a depth of 10 to 12 meters unlike in the Balili property in barangay Tinaan, Naga which only has a depth of six to seven meters.
The reclamation project which Sanchez is proposing is estimated to cost P30 million, of which P22 million is for filling works while P8 million is for the opening of road networks.
He said the area could be used for commercial and industrial purposes and for a marina, eco-park and international port.
Sanchez said the ports of Cebu are getting congested and have a berthing space of three kilometers.
Sanchez said the reclamation project which he is proposing could accommodate about seven kilometers in berthing space.
He said his proposed reclamation area could also serve as diversion road for users of the South Coastal Road (SCR).
Instead of heading into the national highway from the SCR, vehicles could make a left turn the proposed reclamation area which would originate in the vicinity of Tangke, Talisay and exit in barangay Colon in Naga City.
“That highway would be filled up in the next 15 to 20 years, that's why we need a new coastal road,” said Sanchez, a civil engineer.
