P18-B Kawit project moves forward

Despite having pending court cases against the development, the Universal Hotels and Resorts Inc. (UHRI) has started processing requirements for it to begin work on the P18-billion project in Kawit Island.

Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez, executive assistant of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña, said that since the last meeting on March 4, the UHRI had started to process the documents for the issuance of a developmental permit.

“They will submit the documents, then the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) will issue a development permit,” he said.

Such permit would allow the UHRI to start ground works of the 20,000-square-meter Kawit Island at the South Road Properties (SRP).

“After that, they will have to apply for another permit, the building permit that will be issued by the OBO (Office of the Building Official),” he said.

Engineer Jose Guisadio, CPDO chief, said his office issued a locational clearance to UHRI, a requirement for get- ting a business permit.

UHRI will develop an integrated resort, including a casino, on Kawit Island in the SRP through a joint venture agreement with the City.

At present, two separate cases are pending before the court against the development.

Busay Barangay Councilor Amilo Lopez filed a petition for injunction with prayer for temporary restraining order to prevent the City Government from entering into an agreement with UHRI. Lopez had said the City Council did not authorize Osmeña to sign the deal with UHRI.

The court had dismissed Lopez’s complaint, but the latter asked for reconsideration. Lopez did not show up at the hearing on his motion for reconsideration last Friday, March 15.

Suspended Councilor Jose Daluz III and seven others also filed a separate case that is pending before the Regional Trial Court Branch 10 which asked that the court nullify the resolution that authorized Osmeña to sign the agreement with UHRI for being “irregular and patently unlawful.”