Kawit developer prepares for launch of P18B project

The Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI) is set for the groundbreaking of its P18-billion Cebu Integrated Resort project on Kawit Island in the South Road Properties (SRP) this week, a Cebu City official said.

In an interview with reporters, Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s executive assistant Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez said that the developer wants to start the civil works of the project the soonest time possible.

“They’re in a hurry to start it. They want to start construction already. This week, they will start getting the permits to start the construction,” Fernandez said.

This, despite the pending case filed by the opposition councilors to nullify the resolution that authorized Osmeña to sign the joint venture agreement (JVA) with UHRI.

Last Friday, Osmeña and officials of UHRI signed the JVA even if there was a motion asking the court to stop the signing.

Busay Barangay Councilor Amilo Lopez earlier filed a petition for injunction with prayer for temporary restraining order (TRO) and writ of preliminary Injunction before the court, saying the JVA with UHRI is grossly disadvantageous to the City Government.

But since no TRO was issued last Friday, the signing of the JVA pushed through.

Also last Friday, Councilors Jose Daluz III, Jocelyn Pesquera, Raymond Garcia, Pastor Alcover, Erik Miguel Espina, Joel Garganera and Eduardo Rama Jr. filed a civil case for declaration of nullity with prayer for TRO and preliminary injunction.

The petitioners want the court to declare void Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolutions 140183-2018 and 14-0184-2018 dated Aug. 8, 2018 because these are irregular and unlawful.

Fernandez said the groundbreaking ceremony will signify that UHRI is now ready to start construction of the project.

Unless the court issues a TRO, Fernandez said, the groundbreaking will push through.

Fernandez said that UHRI will have to secure building and all other permits from the City before they can start construction.

Before the groundbreaking, Fernandez said they will schedule a meeting to allow the architects and engineers of UHRI to visit the mayor and present the construction plans.

Osmeña, in a separate interview, said the City will help UHRI in the things they have to do before construction starts.

So far, UHRI has yet to pay the performance bond to the City, to allow them to start the construction.

Asked about the pending case to nullify his authority to sign the JVA, Osmeña said that the opposition councilors are “just trying to scare the investors.”

“As usual, babag (they’re blocking the project). They’re scaring everyone who’ll try to work with us,” he said.