Obet assures SP won't intrude on City Council

By Erly C. Garcia

Iloilo Vice Governor Roberto Armada assured they would respect the inter-governmental relations of the city and province of Iloilo as separate local government units ( LGUs ) relative to the move of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to study the impact of the Perimeter Boundary Ordinance (PBO).

Armada said, “ we are only acting on the matter being brought to our attention by our constituents.”

The vice governor said they have received numerous complaints with regard to the city's implementation of the PBO which affect mostly businessmen, students and traders from the province.

Armada said the committee of the whole, which he chairs, would soon seek representation with the City Council of Iloilo to discuss possible compromise that would be beneficial on both the province and city of Iloilo .

The vice governor recalled that there is an existing covenant between the city and province of Iloilo concerning unity wherein both LGUs agreed to consult with each other in areas where they have symbiotic relationship.

Armada, however, is still on the process of securing a copy of said covenant that was signed sometime in 1993 between former Mayor Mansueto Malabor and Governor Arthur Defensor , for Iloilo City and Iloilo Province , respectively.

Armada said all they have to do is to present their arguments with the City Council and it is up to them whether to accept it or not.

Armada vowed to finish their consultations and release their findings as soon as possible.

Earlier, Philippine Councilors League-Iloilo Chapter president Lilia Gonzales passed a resolution calling for a public hearing regarding the PBO.

The Pumuluyo Kontra PBO composed of different sectors opposing the PBO also sought the help of the provincial board to intervene and immediately act on the matter that greatly affects majority of the people in the province.

Some drivers groups in the province of Iloilo welcomed with resistance the full implementation of the PBO on February 16, 2005 .

Drivers groups from Leon and Alimodian even threatened to hold a transport strike Thursday (February 24) but was averted with the intervention of Gov. Niel Tupas and Leon Mayor Romulo Cabana.