SMPHI tactics – 3

During a meeting with the Council of Past Presidents of the Negros Press Club last week, I learned from talks innocently made that SM is already exerting political pressure to stop the contract of sale between the province and SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

Remember the news item that SM wants that the contract be given to them because they insist they won the first bidding which was declared a failure?

The case is now in court but SM keeps on explaining in public statements that it won. This is a tactic that is intended to gain public support aside from legal maneuvers and influence in the Commission on Audit that until today, without cause or reason sits on the contract that it ought to approve within 60 days as provided for in our Constitution.

Anyway, if the reported political pressure is true, although I insisted that I have reservations about it, then this will be a blow to the public perception of the political and economic leadership both in this province and that of President Aquino.

I will not at this point reveal what this pressure is all about and by whom as reported. Only when the situation arises will we revisit this information that is indeed disturbing not for us but for those who are exerting this pressure. Once known it will certainly erode public respect for these people.

To a certain extent the information lends some credence with the latest developments but as the poet says, “a sparrow does not a summer make.”

There is also information that one of the staffs of COA chairperson Pulido-Tan is handling the Capitol-ALI project and insuring that this document is not presented to the Commission Proper and thus preventing it from being discussed and decided upon.

This tactics that allows the COA to have a scapegoat in case the planned impeachment move materializes. This person is said to have been brought into the COA by Pulido-Tan who, news reports said had inhibited from this case. The fact is, insiders say, she has not done so. That inhibition is on paper only so that she cannot be accused of having a hand in the sabotage of this project. This person she brought in is probably being prepared to take the blame.

This person, however, is identified with Pulido-Tan that their link can easily be established because this person’s entry into COA is documented officially.

This person is not only close to COA chair Pulido-Tan, this person is also linked with SM companies and thus we can easily establish the connections – the conflict of interest because of the relationship with SM companies.

If this information be untrue, then I invite Pulido-Tan to deny that she brought in someone into the COA family who has links with SM companies. If she wants I can tell her the name and the SM connection. At this stage it is best to keep the identity in pectore to give Pulido-Tan the opportunity to act post haste on the Capitol-ALI contract either the COA will approve or disapprove the contract. If COA disapproves then it must also explain the reason or cause for disapproval.

By keeping the identity I am sparing putting in more people into the limelight of this sordid affair. Sure, this person can be cast with blame and accountability as well for being a part of what can be considered economic sabotage of a government project.

One question that continues to puzzle and irk people of this province is the refusal of COA to act on a government project that can create jobs and huge economic opportunities. I think this shameless action is insensitive and heartless and arrogant to the point of great injustice.

Why can’t COA say something – reject or approve? Why the stony silence?

I believe that COA cannot disapprove because it has no basis to do so or its action can be challenged in court. The only reason that we think of is that Pulido-Tan whose law firm is the legal counsel of SM companies is favoring SM and I have reason to think that SM is exerting its strong influence on Pulido-Tan to sit tight on the project that will pose a threat to SM’s business in Negros.

By doing this Pulido-Tan, her so-called inhibition notwithstanding, is working for SM’s interest instead of the government that pays her.

I believe the reason of the Constitutional Commission to impose a deadline for COA to act is to prevent COA from obstructing government operations and projects. COA’s inaction, to repeat, borders on economic sabotage.

But my greatest wonder is the sphinx-like silence of our congressmen when here is great opportunity for them to help the province and their constituencies. Are they afraid of COA? Have they ginamos to hide or interests to protect?*

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