Mayor to airport prexy: Don't twist issue
CLARK FREEPORT -- Candaba Mayor Jerry Pelayo told Sunday a Clark airport official not to "twist the real issue" behind the controversial demolition of at least 17 buildings inside the Clark aviation complex.
Pelayo noted reports that Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) president Victor Jose Luciano is allegedly pointing to several violations with the terms and conditions of the "usufruct agreement" reportedly committed by the mayor.
Pelayo denied having violated the agreement: "How could I violate that if Luciano being the president of CIAC did not give me a permit to operate the Farm Fresh 25?"
He said the real issue is the alleged "illegal and unauthorized demolition of buildings" inside the aviation complex.
"Bakit walang maipakitang accounting at sino talaga ang nakinabang ng mga pinagbilhan ng scrap materials? Kailangan iyan ang sagutin ni Luciano at huwag niyang ibahin ang istorya," he added.
Pelayo also said that after showing the proposal, building plans and perspective to Luciano, the latter gave him the go signal to repair and reconstruct the buildings, which he intends to lease, since two years ago, the construction was approved by the CIAC official in principle.
The mayor said that Hyundai is one of the supposed investors for the food processing in the food hub.
"Iyong isang Kimchi factory na inayos ko at ginastusan ko ng P1-million ay pinagiba niya. Habang hinihintay ko iyong permit to operate ay temporarily na pinaglagyan muna ng mga sinasabi nilang electronic gadgets ng mga kaibigan kong Koreano na nais ding magnegosyo sa Clark, eventually," Pelayo said.
Pelayo said he is set to file plunder charges against Luciano and his alleged "other cohorts" who benefited from the illegal activity. (Herbert P. Mapiles)