Gumabong's extortion activities reached CEO since 2004--document
Contrary to the claims of City Engineer Marito Amatorio and Engr. Marcelino Umahag, a formal complaint relative to Ricardo Gumabong's alleged extortion activities has reached their office as early as September 2004.
In a document obtained by The News Today, businesswoman Marissa Segovia, vice president for operations of Nissan Iloilo (S & J) Motors Inc. wrote a letter dated September 9, 2004 addressed to Mayor Jerry Treñas, City Legal Office chief Edgar Gil and City Engineer Marito Amatorio complaining about Gumabong's attempt to extort the said firm.
But nothing was heard thereafter about Segovia's complaint though it was duly received by the Office of the City Mayor September 10, 2004.
Umahag, in previous media interviews admitted that they have heard several complaints about Gumabong's string of extortion activities but no formal complaint was lodged against him.
In her complaint, Segovia's stated that on September 6, 2004, Gumabong came to their office in E. Lopez Street, Jaro and introduced himself as an electrical inspector of the CEO tasked to inspect their building.
She said, after Gumabong had inspected the premises of Nissan, he informed Vincent Herrera, After-Sales Manager that the establishment failed to pay annual fees amounting to P10,236.60.
Herrera then conferred with Corazon Bañares, Nissan's cash officer regarding Gumabong's findings.
Segovia said Gumabong even issued a written breakdown of the fees which the establishment allegedly failed to pay for the period of 2003-2204 and which she attached in her letter complaint.
The following was the breakdown of the supposed annual fees: service entrance 250 AMP- P300; panel board 400 AMP-P400; circuit breaker P1,280; fluorescent lamp-P450; duplex plug outlet-P400.; air conditioning unit-P200; switch line- P69.; circuit home run P600; single pole switch-P18; duplex switch- P17; triplex switch -P27; three-way switch-P2.; special purpose outlet-P35; inspection fee-P300; 125 PPA AT AMP-P200.; pin light 16W P280; C 25 WACU 2HP-P25; 2 HP-P25 and 2HP for P25.
A 10 percent was added to the total cost of the installed lighting facilities and multiplied twice. Summed up the establishment's purported liability reached P10,236.60.
Segovia's complaint further stated that before Gumabong left the place, he told Herrera and Bañares to closely coordinate with him regarding the settlement of fees. Gumabong even left his landline and mobile phone number to the said employees.
Further, Segovia stated, on the same day, Gumabong demanded for the payment of the bill. However, he was told by Herrera that they can not pay the bill yet because it will still be referred to the management.
Segovia added, Gumabong then told the employees that he will be back the following day. He further instructed them to pay in cash or issue a check payable to him.
According to Segovia, when Gumabong left Nissan, Herrera and Bañares decided to contact Amatorio to inquire whether Gumabong is authorized to conduct the inspection or not. They were allegedly informed by Amatorio that he (Gumabong) "was not clothed with authority."
With, Amatorio's statement, the establishment was cautioned from entertaining any transactions with Gumabong. The next day, September 9, 2006, Gumabong returned and demanded payment for the bill.
"While, the personnel were conferring among each other what to do regarding the persistent unauthorized demands of Mr. Gumabong, he hurriedly left the premises of our office without notice," said Segovia.