Violy fine with foreign military base but not in Ormoc

BUSINESSWOMAN Violeta T. Codilla is not comfortable having a foreign military base in Ormoc. The congressional hopeful of Leyte 4^th District aired her view on the matter in reaction to the statement of another candidate that he will allow the city to host an army base if he wins as mayor.

Codilla is concerned that a foreign military base in Ormoc would pose health problems especially on venereal diseases. Such installations, she notes, attracts businesses that mainly cater to service men’s rest and recreation needs like bars and nightclubs.

Codilla is quick to clarify that she is not against foreign military bases operating on Philippine soil, but not in Ormoc. For her, the best area to place such an installation would be either in Mindanao to help counter Muslim secessionists there or in Palawan which is close to West Philippine Sea where the government is locked in a dispute with China.

Codilla further debunks their opponent’s claim there are no investments in Ormoc and that the city is not business-friendly. She cites the 30MW solar power plant inaugurated last year and the acquisition of properties by retail giants SM, Robinsons and Gaisano Metro in Ormoc.

She adds that her husband, Mayor Edward C. Codilla, is focusing on developing homegrown businesses and providing livelihood like micro-enterprises to disadvantaged individuals who cannot be accommodated by the job market. Moreover, Ormoc has long been established as the rice granary and vegetable bowl of Eastern Visayas.