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Thursday, June 08, 2006
Editorial: Fishy,frenzy
WHAT is there behind the bidding of the Mimosa Leisure Estate (MLE) that has gotten everyone in a frenzy? Mayor Carmelo Lazatin had asked Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid to investigate the alleged irregularities on the bidding of the estate.
He claims that there was something fishy in the bidding and awarding of the MLE, which is one of the premiere locators inside the Clark Special Economic Zone.
Of course, the Kapampangan senator expressed interest and willingness to conduct an investigation into the so-called "anomalies" there.
A source told Tarzan that there were violations in the bidding process, in that qualified bidders were prevented from presenting their offer to the Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
Because of this, the best offers have seemingly gone down the drain. This is not the only issue facing the MLE, for it had been controversial even in the past. Banks have been demanding unpaid loans from it, amounting to about P500 million and US$10 million.
Because the MLE will have a new owner soon, the identity of whom is still unknown, then the banks should have separate negotiations with the would-be owners of the estate.
Not only that, the CDC is also claiming some P650 million from the MLE as payment for back taxes, arrears on rentals, among other fees.
Lazatin further claimed that whatever excess is in the sale of the MLE, the CDC and the National Government should benefit from it, and not some "corrupt people".
However this paper would want the concerned officials to shed light on the issue, they have opted to stay mum about it. Although we've heard of complaints regarding the story came out, they still have not sent us -- or any member of the Pampanga media for that matter -- a statement which could and would clear the air once and for all.
But like always, we're willing to wait.
(June 8, 2006 issue)
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