THE attempt of the Malayan Integrated Industries Corp. (MIIC) to revive its 37 years plan to do a reclamation project in Cordova town has hit a snag after a provincial board member said the town has withdrawn authority to the group to do the project.
Provincial Board Member Arleigh Sitoy said MIIC’s authority has been revoked by a 2008 resolution of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SB) of Cordova because of its failure to implement the project for 30 years. MIIC got the reclamation authority in 1977.
Sitoy said that MIIC’s revival of the project is nothing but “bounty-hunting” to attract investors towards it and make money from the supposed venture.
Sitoy’s claim, however, was dismissed by MIIC president Pablo Villaber, who insists that it was the Office of the President during the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos who gave them the authority to do the reclamation project in 1996.
But Sitoy presented a resolution approved by the Cordova municipal council six years ago to show that the town already severed its ties with MIIC for the latter’s failure to implement the reclamation project.
The resolution was unanimously approved by the council and approved the PB member’s father, Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy.
Last month, MIIC launched its P70-billion Cordova Reclamation and Development Project (CRDP). This time, they included in their plan the construction of the 3rd Cebu – Mactan Bridge that will connect Cebu City to Cordova town.
Last Monday the PB gave Metro Pacific Toll Ways Corp. of Manny V. Pangilinan another six months to conduct the feasibility of the 3rd Mactan – Cebu bridge.
Villaber earlier said he has documents to prove that the project has authorization from Malacañang and that they are only waiting for the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources to issue an environmental compliance certificate (ECC), a requirement by the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
But Sitoy yesterday said the Ramos administration authority to MIIC has no bearing. Citing that during the administration of President Joseph Estrada, Malacañang executive secretary Ronald Zamora denied its veracity.
He challenged Villaber to show up at the PB session and bring with him documents that support his claim.
“Mr. Villaber appears to be in a time warp. He is no longer updated with the realities of the times and even the Marcoses are pursuing him for what he did during the Marcos time. It’s a pity,” said Sitoy.
“I’ve been mayor of Cordova for nine years and ever since, we’ve been waiting for him to undertake the project pursuant to an order from Ramos,” he added.