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Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Nalzaro: Common denominator
By Bobby g. Nalzaro
If we look at the pieces of information on the seizure of 1.7 tons of pseudoephedrine, we can see Vice Gov. John Gregory Osmena as the common denominator. Meaning, some of the personalities linked to the smuggling of this substance, an ingredient for shabu, have ties or are associated with the vice governor.
Also, there are rumors the young Osmena was the politician who was earlier reported as having tried to intercede for the release of the cargo, although he categorically denied it saying politics was behind the accusation. Of course, politicians always blame their political rivals for their woes. And this is the usual alibi used even if there is basis to the allegation. But let us try solving the puzzle of this pseudoephedrine brouhaha.
Teodora Limcangco was once the president of Coastside Ventures Inc., the consignee of the controlled substance. She was also the treasurer of the controversial Perdido Lex Foundation (although her lawyer insisted that this was before the said group duped the Provincial Government of some P5 million from the vice governor's discretionary fund--Editor). So maybe Osmeña also knew Limcangco.
Then there’s Joebert Cuesta, who was the president of Coastside when the firm was able to secure a permit from the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) in 2003 to import so-called controlled chemicals like pseudoephedrine. He is also with the vice governor’s office.
Cuesta used to manage the hauling business of Osmena and was involved in the Perdido Lex issue as the man who accompanied Osmena's chief of staff to Barili when they presented to the Municipal Council last year the foundation's computerization program. Again, I think John-John knows Cuesta.
Aside from the mysterious Mike Cummings, the consignee of the shipment and believed to be an Australian national, another foreign-sounding name cropped up. Dirk Hulst, an American national, rented a bodega at the King's Warehouse Plaza in Mandaue City under the name of Coastside Venture.
A check done by GMA 7 news and public affairs showed that Hulst is a friend of Osmeña. Reports said they both lived for a time in Maryville Condominium on Rosal and Gorordo Sts. One of the members of John-john’s staff at the Capitol paid the bills of the vice governor and Hulst at the condominium.
So, if we carefully examine these pieces of information, the shadow of the young Osmena is visible. Morag misiwil gayod ang iyang dagway bisan unsaon nato pag-analisar. But I am not saying he is involved in illegal activities. Maybe he is merely using his power, influence and connections to raise funds for the elections. We all know that a candidate needs vast financial resource to ensure victory.
Morag gitil-asan si John-John karon. Ambot kon unsaon niya pag-esplikar ngadto sa mga Sugboanon kining maong mga isyu nga mihasmag kaniya inig sugod na sa kampaniya ugma.
(e-mail: bobby@sunstar.com.ph; text: 0919-3181404)
(March 24, 2004 issue)
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