CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The City Council on October 5 approved a proposed ₱8.5-billion loan to fund the construction of a new Government Complex, despite concerns from three councilors over the size and necessity of the borrowing.
The measure passed with 15 councilors voting in favor, three against and one abstention.
Voting against the proposal were City Councilors Yevonna Yacine Emano, Imee Rose Moreno and Agapito Suan.
The proposed loan will cover the 22.9-hectare Government Complex, including land acquisition, site development, construction of buildings, and furniture and fixtures.
City officials said the complex is intended to be ready for immediate use once completed.
Emano questioned whether the city needs to take on an ₱8.5-billion loan while several city-funded projects remain unfinished.
“Daghan pa kaayo ta proyekto nga funded by the local government nga naa sa atong general fund that we have approved in 2025 and 2026 na wala pa gani nangahuman,” Emano said.
She cited unfinished projects, including the controversial Super Health Center in Carmen, and questioned the need for a new government complex while existing city offices continue to provide services.
Emano also questioned the increase in the proposed borrowing compared with the city's earlier loan proposal.
“Why 8.4 B all of a sudden? What's the basis of the three folds increase?” she asked.
Moreno acknowledged that the majority vote would decide the measure but urged her colleagues to ensure that the loan would be used efficiently and for public benefit.
“Our colleagues may made a decision already,” Moreno said.
She said the project should be pursued for the people of Cagayan de Oro rather than for individual interests.
Councilor Alam Lim, who voted for the proposal, said concerns over unpaid contractors should be raised directly with the office of City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy.
“Why not give the chance of Mayor Klarex kay kitang tanan ambitious man gyud ta,” Lim said.
Lim also said the proposed one-stop-shop government complex could make government services more accessible and convenient for residents.
Majority Floor Leader Edgar Cabanlas defended the proposal, saying the feasibility study for the project had been carefully reviewed.
He said the council could again go through the study, which he said runs to about 100 pages.
After the exchange of views, the majority of the council voted to approve the proposed ₱8.5-billion loan.
The approval allows the city government to move forward with the next steps for financing the proposed Government Complex, subject to applicable requirements and approvals.
