CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY ― A proposed P8.5-billion loan to build a modern government complex has sparked a heated debate over the city’s financial future, pitting Mayor Rolando Uy’s vision of progress against warnings of a massive “mistake.”

The proposal, which surfaced in a March 19 letter to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, would authorize Uy to negotiate loans with government and private banks. The funds are earmarked for a 22-hectare “development complex” in Barangay Upper Carmen, featuring a new City Hall, commercial parking, a sports court, and a hub for regional government offices.

However, the momentum stalled on Wednesday when a scheduled City Council discussion failed to take place, according to Acting City Information Officer Jade Adecer.

Read also: City Hall details P8.5b complex plan amid pushback

The plan has already drawn sharp fire from Rep. Lordan Suan.

“Ang pagpangutang sa City Hall og P8.5 billion para sa pagpatukod sa bag-ong city hall complex mao ang pinakadakong sayop nga desisyon,” Suan wrote on his Facebook page, arguing that the city should finish existing projects before taking on new debt — especially with barangay elections approaching.

Inside City Hall, the mood is different. Some employees say a move from the aging current facilities is long overdue.

“Dugay naman kaayo mi diri. Mas progressive ug mas effective among trabaho kung naa mi bag-ong building. Tagaan lang sad nato og higayon si Mayor kay development man sad ni,” said one employee who requested anonymity.

City Councilor Enrico Salcedo sought to downplay the tension, noting that the proposal hasn’t even reached formal deliberation. He clarified that the project would be “progressive,” meaning the full amount wouldn’t be spent or released at once.

“Kana nga kantidad sa land acquisition ug building, dili mana mahuman og tulo ka tuig. Progressive type mana. Dili man sad na ihatag dayon, ug ang initial nga P2.7 billion dili man dayon ma-release. Dili pa gani ta sigurado kung maaprobahan ba na sa bangko,” Salcedo said.

Salcedo urged the public to stay calm as the proposal is not yet on the official agenda.

“Wa pa gani mo nakabalo. Relax lang ta. Atubangon sa nato ang kalisod sa oil prices,” he said.