Business sector rallies support for Drilon

LEADERS and members of four business organizations in Iloilo are rallying support for Senate President Franklin Drilon and two Cabinet secretaries after they were named respondents in a plunder case involving the alleged overpriced construction of the Iloilo Convention Center.

A total of 81 businessmen belonging to the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation, Iloilo Business Club, Iloilo Multi-sectoral Business Organization, Federation of Iloilo-Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Panay, Iloilo Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Iloilo-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, including businessmen at the Iloilo Chinatown, signed a manifesto of support early this week.

Ilonggos slammed the accusations against Drilon, Secretary Rogelio Singson of the Department of Public of Works and Highways, and Secretary Ramon Jimenez of the Department of Tourism, including Tieza Administrator Mark Lapid, other DPWH officials and Regional Director Edilberto Tayao.

The accusations were filed before the Ombudsman by Iloilo mediaman Manuel Mejorada for alleged overpricing of P488 million in the construction of the P700 million Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) in Iloilo City.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee headed by Senator Teofisto Guingona has slated an investigation on the case by next week in connection with Senate Resolution No. 906 filed by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago.

The resolution asked the Senate committee to investigate the alleged anomalous public works construction involving Hilmarc’s Construction Corp.

The business sector claimed the Ilonggos have never been as proud of their city and province as they are today because of the developments that have taken place in the last few years.

These projects include the new international standard airport, excellent road network such as the diversion road and circumferential road, Iloilo River Esplanade, an avenue that is pedestrian and bike-friendly, reliable power supply and soon to be constructed Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project, among others, which were realized because of Drilon.

They claimed it is preposterous that a plunder case for the ICC construction should be filed against Drilon who is so dedicated for the cause of Iloilo.

They also condemn the people who are out to thwart progress in Iloilo by maligning these dedicated public servants who have only the best interests of the country and Iloilo at heart.

The ICC is a world-class venue for and big meetings, conventions and events to generate jobs and stimulate economic activities in Iloilo.

It is slated to host the first international meeting such as the two Ministerial Meetings of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) in September and October 2015.

The signatories include Alfonso Uy, Narzalina Z. Lim, Antonio Jon, Fanny Uy, Felipe Uygongco, Ramon Cua Locsin, Donna Rose Ratilla, Herminio Maravilla, Valerie Maravilla, Ma. Luisa C. Segovia, Teresa Chan, Ma. Asuncion L. Bondoc, Azucena P. Pestano, Stephen Armada, Sonny Pison, Jose Perez, Lagrimas Catedral, Sampaguita Gestosani, Eloisa Ablarde Zell, Rosario C. Lui, Rosalinda S. Jardeleza, Cecille C. Jarantilla, Lily Jalbuena, Ma. Teresa R. Rivera, Ida Siason, Alice J. Zerrudo, Jose Ma. Salazar Jr, Paul Salazar, Francis Pasaporte, Ma. Theresa Macavinta, Maravel Enano, Nida Ferrer, Lolita L. Wong, Lily Yap, Ana Chua, Charlyn Yap, Kenneth Yap, Helen Ong, Fely Uy Posadas, Georgette Legara, Lily Uy, Teresita Lo, Josephine Piamonte Wutterich, Ruth Javelosa, Noel Barreto, Lily Ho, and 35 other signatures on record.

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