The absence of just one member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan last week prevented what could have been a special session on five proposed resolutions, including one on the lease of government property along the national road in Virac for P100 per square meter each month.
According to a source at the provincial board, seven SP members were present last Oct. 9, 2026, including PBM Roy Buendia who was elected temporary presiding officer in the absence of Acting Vice Governor fred Benedict Gianan who was on official travel.
But the group lacked just one more colleague to have a quorum to transact business and approve the measures proposed by the executive branch.
Two days earlier, Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza requested the board, through Acting Vice Governor and Presiding Officer Fred Benedict T. Gianan, to convene a special session on Oct. 8 to deliberate on urgent matters requiring legislative action.
He asked the board to pass five (5) proposed resolutions, foremost among them was the passage of a resolution on the proposed Supplemental Budget No. 5 in the amount of P18,781,594.00 and another measure authorizing the governor to enter into and sign a lease contract agreement with Lamver Consolidated Complex Development Corporation (LCC), the winning bidder for the lease of Lot Nos. 754 and 755 at Sta. Elena, Virac owned by the provincial government.
The others sought the SP’s confirmation of the appointments of former Catanduanes State University (CatSU) Executive Vice President Dr. Lily P. Custodio as Provincial Administrator, Atty. Evelyn L. Gutierrez as Provincial Legal Officer, and Atty. Alissa Anne D. Sanchez as Provincial Human Resource Management Officer.
“The immediate consideration of the foregoing matters and appointments is necessary to ensure the timely implementation of priority programs and projects of the Province, as well as to ensure the continuous and efficient delivery of services in the Provincial Local Government Unit of Catanduanes,” the governor stated.
He added that the timely confirmation of the appointments will likewise ensure that the concerned offices are able to truly perform their respective functions and responsibilities without unnecessary delay or interruption in the delivery of government services.
It may be recalled that early this year, the SP refused to confirm the appointment of Atty. Sanchez, who is the daughter of PBM Virginia D. Sanchez, due to her lack of experience and relevant training as human resource management officer.
Currently detailed at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) to oversee the hospital’s financial management, Custodio will replace Gutierrez when she assumes office as legal officer.
On the other hand, the contract of lease covers the lot occupied by derelict four-story Juan M. Alberto Memorial Building as well as the vacant lot on which the former JMA Cinema once stood.
According to the document, LCC was the lone bidder for the lease, with the Bids and Awards Committee recommending its award to the mall and supermarket operator based in Legazpi City.
For a period of 25 years, LCC will lease the two properties, with a total area of 1,509 square meters, for its business operations in Virac, including the sale, distribution and storage of general merchandise.
The company will construct a commercial building and assume all cost of the construction and improvements on the leased premises.
LCC’s bid for the lease of the properties was P100 per square meter, which means the PLGU will be paid P150,800.00 per month.
A provision in the contract states that “(T)he monthly rental will increase every second year by five (5%) percent of the base monthly rental and every year thereafter until the termination of this contract.”
In addition, the lessee shall pay the lessor, represented by the Provincial Treasurer, three (3) months advance payment in the first month of the lease period, as well as three (3) months rental as deposit.
However, the contract states that the monthly rental shall commence “8-12 months from turn key.”
The contract is silent on what will be done with the existing JMA building which has been unoccupied for more than a decade now due to deterioration and earthquake damage.