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Saturday, July 29, 2006
Nalzaro: Yap: 'kapit-tuko'
By Bobby Nalzaro
I can now say without fear of contradiction that there is something wrong with suspended Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) general manager Adelberto Yap.
Yap became general manager because of the MCIAA board. So when the Civil Service Commission (CSC) ordered him to vacate the post for lack of eligibility, he said only the board can remove him. He later succeeded in asking the Court of Appeals to issue a temporary restraining order against the CSC decision.
Recently, the MCIAA board indefinitely suspended Yap pending investigation of his alleged involvement in anomalous deals. But before that, Yap offered to voluntarily resign. Meaning, he recognized the power of the board.
But Yap, through his lawyers, is now saying the board has no authority to suspend him. But why would Yap cling to the post? Because there is gold there?
Tagalogs call Yap's act as kapit-tuko (tuko being a big lizard usually seen sticking on walls).
***
A foreigner, who asked not be identified, sent me an e-mail that discussed the Bureau of Immigration’s I-Card for foreigners visiting and staying in the country. Here's part of the letter:
“Foreigners are now required to replace their blue 'permit to re-enter the Philippines' paper with an I-Card. The deadline for the processing has been extended a few times and the latest is for the middle or end of August. All the requirements are processed in Cebu and the card is issued from Manila.
“I started inquiring about the I-Card in September last year. There were no forms available then. Finally, I was able to fill up one when it was made available in February this year. I filed it with the Bureau of Immigration upon payment of P2,560 or $50.
“Until now, I am still waiting for the I-Card. I am beginning to think the whole I-Card business is a scam. I asked immigration officials if they can show me a finished card. They said they have issued more than 600 cards. I think they should produce more because there are around 5,000 foreigners in Cebu.
“I mentioned this because President Arroyo talked about implementing an ID system. But it could turn out to be the biggest and most expensive fiasco since the voting automation project.”
When sought for comment, Immigration Regional Director Geronimo Rosas told dySS reporter Bong Soriano that his office only receives applications but their main office does the printing of the I-Card. However, he said that they received recently 800 cards.
What else is new in the bureaucracy?
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/ 0918-2198333)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (July 29, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
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