Tupas, Gallar have contrasting views on airport probe

By Leny G. Gabo

With the congressional inquiry on alleged airport anomalies set to resume next week, Board Member Emmanuel Gallar hopes that his accusations against the Tupas administration would be given credence by the investigating panel.

Gallar told The News Today that he is optimistic that the result of the congressional inquiry would prove him right.

He said that in the first committee hearing, Tupas was not able to answer clearly the questions thrown to him by the investigating panel headed by third district Rep. Arthur Defensor.

Gallar is hopeful that congress could uncover the irregularities based on the documents he had presented which could be the basis in filing proper charges against those involved.

On the other hand, Tupas believes that he would be vindicated when the congressional inquiry ends.

He said he already submitted his position paper on the issues raised by Gallar to the house committee on good government.

Part of his position paper dwelt on the Memorandum of Agreement signed by him and representatives of the Department of Transportation and Communication, municipalities of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara.

It said, “the focal point in the privilege speech was the assertion of Gallar   on MOA and a subsequent amended MOA without prior authorization from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and his allegations that quarry operators given permits were ‘favored' ones. On November 9, 2004, the SP Committee on justice and Good Government and Human Rights submitted its findings and conclusions that it is the inherent power of the Governor under an existing ordinance and other items in the MOA are just in compliance or pursuant to the previous MOA signed by DOTC and the Province of Iloilo represented by then Governor Arthur Defensor, which was duly ratified by the SP.”

Tupas further denied the allegation of Gallar that he abused his powers and prerogatives in the screening, selection and issuance of permits to the quarry operators for the burrow pit.

He claimed the quarry operators were given permits after undergoing a thorough evaluation of their capabilities.

The governor added, the papers of quarry applicant for burrow pit undergoes thorough evaluation by the Provincial Environment Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board (PMRB) before it reaches his office.  

He emphasized that the implementation of New Iloilo Airport Project is the responsibility of the DOTC.

He said the province merely assists and help facilitate the implementation of the project.