Guv hopes Ayala will reconsider decision

GOVERNOR Alfredo Marañon, Jr. is hoping that Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) will change its decision about its planned development plan for the 7.7 hectare property that it is supposed to lease and purchase from the Provincial Government.

"Let's hope and pray that ALI will change its mind", Marañon said.

This after a candle-lighting activity was done last night by different organizations and groups belonging to the business sector in the province and in Bacolod City.

That shows that the people of Negros, especially the businessmen, are affected by the withdrawal of the Ayala investment because, if it pushes through, it is very advantageous to them, especially those that are seeking jobs, Marañon explained.

ALI in a letter signed by Emilio Tumbocon, Senior Vice President and Group Head, Visayas-Mindanao and Superblock Projects of Ayala Land, has informed Marañon of the company's withdrawal from the project in the province.

“We write to you in relation to the Capitol project which was awarded to Ayala Land Inc. last July 20, 2011 and is the subject of our Deed of Conditional Sale and Contract of Lease,” the letter stated.

Tumbocon cited in the letter that “after more than a year since the property was awarded to Ayala Land for development, we regret that we are unable to pursue the project on account of the delays and legal disputes that continue to threaten its implementation, through no fault of Ayala Land.”

He added, “In light of this, and considering that the Provincial Government was unable to fulfill its obligation to deliver the property to us under the terms of the agreement, we are open to discussing with you a mutual disengagement from the project.”

Marañon said the Commission on Audit (COA) has failed to act on the contract between Capitol and ALI for said property subject for lease and purchase.

"I hope that the president would intervene on the matter. The withdrawal of ALI is a big setback not only for Negros but for Bacolod City as well," Marañon said.

This happened because of the greed of some people who are just after for their own personal interest at the expense of the majority of the people and for the good of everybody, especially the poor people of Negros, Marañon further said.