Vice guv 'vindicated' on quarry revenues

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Vice Governor Joseller "Yeng" Guiao admitted over the weekend that he "now feels vindicated" over quarry revenues after it peaked to a historic and record-breaking P650 million last year.

Guiao, branded as "quarry fighter and overseer," told Sun.Star Pampanga that he is overjoyed with the 30-month quarry revenues under the administration of Governor Lelia Pineda, after being informed of the projection that it will hit the P770 million mark at the end of his term.

"I feel vindicated and relieved because of the results of the quarry revenues in our term. We have long fought the realistic income, which started during the Lapid administration. We vigilantly kept our watch over the quarry industry not only for Capitol but for the benefit of the industry stakeholders and the Kapampangans," he said.

Guaio, who is seeking Pampanga’s 1st District congressional seat, added that he can now leave the halls of the Provincial Board with a legacy that he hopes would be protected and institutionalized.

"For many years we strived to put all the correct parameters in quarry operations so we can get the real figures and a picture of the industry. We at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) did not stop instituting measures and reforms for the quarry industry, for the main reason that our kabalens should not be deprived of the benefits they should get from our quarry operations. Having done that, at least most of it, we can now move on to the next level to protect and institutionalize it," he said.

Guiao noted that the PB and the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office headed by Engr. Art Punsalan, with the approval of Governor Lilia Pineda, will push for the immediate computerization of quarry operations seen to maximize income and its potential.

"We are working on that now and hope to realize it before the end of our term, so that whoever takes the helm of Capitol will certainly go on with the institutionalized processes we have implemented after years of struggle," concluded Guiao.