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Saturday, October 23, 2004
DOTC: MassKara plates meant to generate P1.8M
By Erwin Ambo S. Delilan and Roberto L. Bacasong
THE probe on the controversial production and sale of the MassKara plates is not only a local concern but has now become national in scope.
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Undersecretary Arturo Valdez said their office in Manila had started investigating who was behind the production of these commemorative plates.
Valdez said based on records, the production of vanity and special plates has been suspended months ago.
Reports indicated the production of the plates was meant to generate P1.8 million.
The council meanwhile, will summon the alleged contractor, Bert Herbolario, a senior account executive of the Manila-based Power Plates Development Concepts to appear.
The city council will also verify the signature of Eli Tajanlangit, this year's Silver MassKara Festival director and of Secretary Mendoza found in the plate.
Councilor Ann Marie Palermo, chairman of the committee on laws, ordinances and good government said the Manila-based Power Plates Development Concepts Inc. (PPDCI) has failed to secure authorization from Mendoza.
With regards to Tajanlangit's liability, Palermo said: "I have nothing to do with it. What he did was to make MassKara successful and to come up with a nice souvenir."
To those who have bought the plates, Palermo said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has also the authority to confiscate or allow the vehicle owners to pay the fine of P5,000.
Earlier, LTO-Bacolod operations chief Norman Saril told the council that Mendoza did not give any authorization for the PPDCI in the production of the plates.
Saril and the have already tagged the production of the plates as "illegal".
Manufacturing special plates must have the approval of the National Historical Commission and also an endorsement from the city council.
Moreover, the manufacturers are responsible in the production of Commemorative Motor Vehicle Plate Manufacturing, Business Tax Plate Manufacturing, 3M Technology Stickers and Decals Special Identity Plates headed by Daniel Calalang, chairman of the board and chief financial consultant.
Mayor Leonardia had cried foul over the usage of his face in the plates.
He said: "My face was illegally used in the place. Producer of the plates shall be held liable for the unauthorized use of my picture."
(October 23, 2004 issue)
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