Tuesday, October 31, 2006 Being anti-NGC can be grounds for treason: Mayor
IRKED by the so-called “bright ideas” from the “bright people” on the issue of the proposed P400 million New Government Center (NGC) for Bacolod, Mayor Evelio Leonardia Monday threatened to charge those who are against the project of treason.
In law, treason is the crime of disloyalty to one’s nation or state.
In politics, treason is described in heated political discussion typically as a slur against political dissidents, or against officials in power who are perceived as failing to act in the best interest of their constituents.
But former vice mayor Ramiro “Chick” Garcia and former councilor Juan Ramon “Monju” Guanzon described Leonardia’s statement as “funny” and “ridiculous.”
Garcia and Guanzon are two prominent figures in Bacolod who are very vocal on the issue of NGC.
“I am not against the project. In fact, I even wanted to donate our land for this purpose. All I’m calling for is transparency on the project especially on the issue of land donation and the bidding process,”
Guanzon stressed over a phone interview last night.
“Can we no longer voice out our sentiment, opinion and suggestion for the good of the City?” asked Garcia.
Garcia said he only wanted to give suggestions for the new government center for Leonardia to appreciate it without getting mad at him.
Garcia said he only wants the mayor and the rest of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) to correct all procedural lapses they have committed on this project.
Guanzon, on the other hand, said that Leonardia’s threat of treason is an indication that “he is panicking.”
This as Guanzon doubts if the project can beat the Dec. 31 deadline considering the present brouhaha in the bidding process.
Wild imaginations
Leonardia reiterated that these “bright ideas” coming from “bright people” plus other invented “wild imaginations,” have now confused the public.
“I hope we will only focus on the issue on whether or not the bidding process was observed. If not then let’s repeat the bidding,” Leonardia said.
As to the issue why only Hilmarc was qualified among the nine bidders, the mayor said, “I don’t know. As far as I am concerned only Hilmarc passed all the needed requirements.”
“Let’s just wait and see if Hilmarc can comply all the necessary requirements in the final bidding on Dec. 27. If not, then let’s have another bidding with another set of bidders,” he added.
The mayor also dismissed reports that Hilmarc was thetop choice of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).
LBP will lend the P400 million budget for the City.
“In fairness to Land Bank, I believe it is a credible bank with credible people and it’s not the kind of bank that dictates us and intervenes on this matter,” Leonardia added.
Caucus
Meanwhile, majority of the councilors and BAC officials led by Goldwyn Nifras, attended Monday’s caucus.
Councilor Ann Marie Palermo, chairwoman of the City Council committee on laws, said there are still plenty of questions to be asked as the bidding process continues.
“I need to research first on the issue of inexperienced personnel that caused some of the bidders to fail in the pre-bidding,” Palermo said.
Palermo disclosed that based on the BAC explanation some bidders failed to pass the pre-bidding because its personnel have no experience on some specified works as stipulated under the law.
As to the motion for reconsideration filed by some of the losing bidders, Palermo said, “We want BAC to hear their plea first and we will just wait and see for the result.
For Councilor Lyndon Cana, there are still a lot of problems on the issue. But it’s still a long way to go and BAC people have still a lot to explain.”
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