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Monday, April 25, 2005
Defensor vows to indict culprits
By Ruby P. Silubrico
ILOILO third district Representative Arthur Defensor assured the public that the House committee on good government will file charges against persons involved in the alleged anomalous P6.2- billion New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP).
Defensor said the committee, which he chairs, is not only empowered to conduct investigation but to file charges as well.
"This is the only committee that is empowered to conduct an investigation even it's not in aid of legislation provided in connection of malfeasance, misfeasance and non-feasance," he said.
He added: "So it goes without saying that if it finds prima facie basis for the recommendation of the filing of appropriate criminal and administrative cases, it will do so after it has terminated its investigation."
The inquiry came after Provincial Board member Emmanuel Gallar made an exposé, accusing Governor Niel Tupas of involvement in questionable deals relative to the airport construction.
All quarry operators are "allegedly controlled by Governor Niel Tupas, his family members and associates," according to Gallar.
Last Thursday, the governor admitted the construction company owned by his daughter-in-law based in Bukidnon rented out an equipment to one of the quarry operators.
Construction to continue
Defensor, however, said the ongoing inquiry will not affect the construction of the airport in Cabatuan.
"We will not ask for the suspension of the construction. It will not in a way affect the airport construction," Defensor added, who lobbied for the project when he was still governor before Tupas.
Moreover, Defensor said the committee will again summon Yukiyasu Nishimaki, project manager of contractor Taisei-Shimizu Joint Venture, to the next hearing in Metro Manila. Nishimaki failed to attend last Thursday's inquiry.
Also, Defensor told the protesting lot owners and tenants and displaced families the committee cannot provide solutions to their problems.
Defensor further added, these should be addressed by the Department of Transportation and Communication, Department of Budget and Management, Iloilo Provincial Government and Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan municipal governments.
The group have been raising issues on the payment, relocation site and livelihood opportunities.
Iloilo Representative Rolex Suplico said the committee will hold one or two hearings more before meeting in a conference to discuss the data gathered during the inquiries.
(April 25, 2005 issue)
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