The Cebu Provincial Government is belying any claims attributed by media reports to AG&P Industrial and Visayas Neceboley Interlink Holdings Corp. (VNIHC) that the Capitol has already given them original proponent status (OPS) regarding a mega infrastructure project that involves major islands in the Visayas regions.
According to reports, the above named groups already signed on April 23 a memorandum of understanding for a $15-billion mega infrastructure project that will connect the four islands in the Visayas, namely Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Leyte, through a state-of-the-art bridges and expressways network.
“I find this strange that they should come up with this kind of announcement, when certainly, for Cebu, the Economic Enterprise Council have not given them that OPS. In fact the EEC has never even received an unsolicited proposal from them. An OPS is serious business.” Gov. Gwen Garcia said in reaction to media reports circulating online.
According to reports, VNIHC was granted certificates of acceptance, giving it the original proponent status by the provincial governments of Negros Oriental, Cebu, Bohol and Southern Leyte to undertake the development project under a public-private partnership framework.
However, the firm has not engaged with the Capitol’s Enterprise Economic Council like any other private investors interested in partnering with the Province of Cebu in joint ventures.
The Governor reiterates that the Cebu Provincial Board passed Ordinance No. 2023-02 which requires national agencies or Goverment-owned and controlled corporation (GOCCs) to coordinate and consult with the Local Government Unit for their policies, programs and projects in the territorial jurisdiction of the province of Cebu.
Santander Mayor Marites "Monic" Buscato said she has 'no idea' of the said project. | SN