Gov. Gwen Garcia has become a victim of double standard by “chest-thumping” self-anointed experts who called for the protection of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills and yet in the same breath advocated for the destruction of the Cebu Provincial Capitol Building’s cultural integrity by allowing the BRT’s bus station construction to push through.
Gov. Garcia pointed out this hypocrisy when these same critics asked authorities to close down a resort located in the middle of Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan, Bohol because it is a Unesco Global Geopark and a recognized National Geological Monument.
Under the law, they said, the Chocolate Hills is afforded protection from commercial encroachment.
But in their twisted logic, it would be okay to allow the BRT stations to be built along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City, directly in front of the Cebu Capitol Building, which is also a declared National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and an Important Cultural Property declared by the National Museum of the Philippines.
“Kon nihilom lang ko kay tingali unya og ma-bash ko, inig ka human unya niana (BRT bus stations), Cebu na sad ang ma-trending,” the governor said on March 15 during the opening of R’ Cebu Expo at the Robinsons Galleria Cebu Atrium.
Gov. Garcia had issued a cease and desist order against the implementers of the BRT project along Osmeña Boulevard as the bus stations will totally block the facade of the Capitol when viewed from Fuente Osmeña Circle
Moreover, these would also destroy the supposed unhampered Vista Corridor from the Capitol, down Osmeña Blvd, and Fuente Circle — three historic sites that could easily be afforded protection by law against violative construction design.
“Gipili niining inyong Gobernador nga mobatikos na lang mo nako karon kay sa ang mga mosunod nato nga mga henerasyon tangtangan nato sa pribilihiyo, katungod, ug dignidad nga sila mapasigarbuhon nga Sugbuanon tungod kay duna silay usa ka majestic, grand, acknowledged, and recognized by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines as a National Historical Landmark such as our Capitol Building,” Gov. Gwen said.
Under the law, the Capitol Building is entitled to “priority protection from modification or demolition resulting from all government projects” and that government projects that may potentially affect its integrity must consult with the NCCA, which BRT implementers failed to do.
“Depensahan ko kini, bisan pa og ako tawgon og apil-apilon kay natural, ato ning gipanumpaan isip mga opisyal,” the governor said. “I, Gwen Garcia, this Governor of Cebu, has chosen to uphold the law.” | IPA