The office of the Cebu Governor has firmly rejected a proposed compromise settlement between Apo Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC) and the Provincial Government, citing a similar agreement that was previously established under the administration of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
Precedent Set with Dolomite Mining Corp.
According to Cebu Province Assistant Administrator Aldwin Empaces, a compromise agreement was successfully reached with Dolomite Mining Corp. (DMC) during Governor Garcia's tenure. The DMC had an overall assessment of P855,903,045.05, but the signed compromise agreement settled for a significantly reduced amount of P56,319,119.29. This historical precedent has influenced the current stance on negotiations with ALQC.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Mediation Efforts
Legal Officer Resti Arnaiz explained that while there are pending cases between the Province and ALQC, mediation proceedings have been initiated. The company began offering settlement amounts in August 2025, but these proposals were rejected by the governor's office. Additional offers were made in September, October, and December of the same year, yet all were consistently turned down.
Arnaiz emphasized that mediation can occur even with ongoing court cases to avoid lengthy judicial processes. By January 2026, the two parties had agreed on a settlement amount of P211 million, highlighting a potential resolution path despite the initial rejections.
Implications for Provincial Governance
This development underscores the provincial government's strategic approach to legal disputes, leveraging past agreements to guide current negotiations. The rejection of ALQC's offers reflects a commitment to upholding precedents set in earlier administrations, ensuring consistency in handling corporate settlements.
The situation continues to evolve, with both sides navigating mediation to potentially reach a final agreement that aligns with provincial interests and legal standards.
