Mixed emotions on result of House probe on new Iloilo airport
P6.2 billion in government funds and loan. Over 50 resource persons called and sworn in to say the truth and nothing but the truth. Hundreds of documents presented. 7 allegations addressed. 7 public hearings held.
And now as contained in Committee Report No. 1676, it took one signature to seal months of waiting for the results of the 'celebrated' congressional probe called to "inquire in aid of legislation" allegation of anomalies and corruption in the bid, award and implementation of the New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP).
46 pages it all took for the Committee on Good Government of the13th Congress of the House of Representatives, concluded by three recommendations to finalize its report signed by Committee Chair, Representative Arthur Defensor (Third District, Iloilo).
Among the findings - prosecute Governor Niel Tupas Sr. for the sufficient reason to believe on the probable cause that exists for having committed acts in clear violation of Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Yet as the Committee further moved, let the Office of the Ombudsman do the job after conducting a "thorough investigation" anew.
And pass remedial legislation for ample protection of the environment and natural resources "through transparency, highest degree of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, efficiency or public officials and employees." How? The Good Government Committee in its report saw the need to amend Republic Act 7942 otherwise known as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
"The necessary check should be in place to regulate the issuance of small and large-scale quarrying permits to prevent abuse by the executives of local government units in the exercise of their authority," excerpts of Committee Report 1676 went.
Such after it was established that most of the questions and allegations raised go back to the burrow pit area of about 43 hectares, the site a viable source of the required filling material for the airport construction.
Now the Committee recognized, the idea to subdivide the burrow put into ten clusters was an idea of Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon. Thereafter, the Governor's son, Niel Tupas Jr. made an official announcement that a "shortlist" was identified, such being the names of chosen quarry operators who will be allowed to do business and whose business will be accepted in the area. Elsewhere in the province, yet more applicants were granted permits among those Melvin Requinto alongside one Francis Clyde and eventually, the disclosure of the dealings with the Governor's in-laws, the Montesclaros of Valencia, Bukidnon.
On record, at least P43 million were paid to the Montesclaros for the airport project with the Good Government Committee finding Requinto as "unmistakably a dummy of M. Montesclaros Enterprises."
Section 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices act defines "relatives" as any and all persons related to a public official or employee within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity including bilas, inso and balae."
More violations too on the illegal quarrying of operators established to be in the Governor's "shortlist." The violations justified by the Capitol courtesy of the amendments made to the Provincial Quarry Ordinance of 2000.
"It may be argued that under Section 43 of Republic Act 7942, the Governor is given sufficient authority to grant a quarry permit as long as the applicant complies with all the requirements prescribed therefore and he may cancel the same as long as the holder is given the opportunity to be heard in investigation conducted for the purpose" the Report went. "In fact, the Ordinance of 2000 already covered the whole gamut of activities in the extraction of minerals and quarrying. If indeed the ordinance needed refinements, doing away with the necessary checks in the issuance of permits serves no useful purpose and provides the tempting opportunity for abuse."
Asked for reactions, 'ordinary' citizens who were part of the airport issue came out with varying statements and sentiments.
For lawyer Cornelio Panes whose name and testimony was repeatedly mentioned in the Committee Report, the end-result of the probe is "anemic."
"It's anemic with a capital "A." There is no definitive finding establishing guilt," Panes told The News Today (TNT) while adding that he now took it upon himself to file charges based on the House probe results.
Similar sentiments from Raymond Moderes of Sanlakas and prime mover in the plight of Project Affected People (PAP).
"The probe as expected delivered a calibrated and safe decision. Instead of directly taking action against all those who are liable, the Committee did a Pilate by passing action of prosecution to parties interested to file the same in the Courts. Nonetheless our group is thankful that the truth and justice we were looking for has come out. We are not filing any criminal or civil complaint. We are leaving these to those who has the resources to do so," Moderes said in a statement sent to TNT.
Victorious in tone though for Board Member Manny Gallar whose privileged speech formed part as among the major basis for the House investigation.
"So who is the real liar now?," Gallar began when reached for comment. "Si Gallar ginpamati-an sang mga maalam sa Kongreso. Bal-an na sang mga pumuluyo karon kung sin-o ang butigon kag ang may interes sa kaban sang gobyerno. Hambal ni Governor Tupas may political motive ako kag isa ato ka pagpatalang sa tawo. Yet this investigation proved him wrong and proved me right."
And 'victory' as well for Mario Andon and his group, the Airport Concern Alliance (ACA). Andon is also among the PAPs.
"Satisfied ako sa findings sang Good Government. Una dira, nga ang displaced people kag relocatees na-relocate kag nahatag ang gusto. May.satisfaction pa gid bangud nga ang mga anomaliya na-expose kag kabay ang Ombudsman ma-aksyon gilayon agud masuspinder ang mga opisyales nga may kahilabtanan diri. Tani na-address man ang overpricing sang relocation site agud mahatagan hustisya ang ginabayad nga buwis sang mga taxpayers nga amo ang gingamit pagbakal sang duta sa relocation site. Kag tani ini tanan makapadasig sang implementasyon sang Comprehensive Assistance Program," Andon for his part said.