Marañon challenges
Alvarez, SP to debate
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday challenged members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, including Vice Gov. Genaro Alvarez Jr., to a debate “anywhere, anytime and anyplace” on the loans made by the provincial government under his watch.

Marañon was reacting to a statement of Alvarez that if he is elected governor, he will not get any more loans for the provincial government, and to the SP inaction on his request for an ordinance authorizing him to negotiate with the LandBank of the Philippines for the release of P240 million from the Capitol's standby loan.

Alvarez, on the other hand, said he does not think a debate is necessary, and the matter can be discussed at the SP as the proper venue.

Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr. yesterday denied that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental is being strict about the approval of the loans and budget proposed by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr.

After several weeks of deliberations on an ordinance for a P240 loan release sought by the governor, the SP Committee on Finance has recommended its passage.

The ordinance will authorize Marañon to negotiate with the LandBank of the Philippines, and sign for and in behalf of the provincial government, all loan documents, intended for the construction of phase two of the Negros First Cyber Center worth P170 million, and an additional six classrooms at the Negros Occidental High School, with a budget of P10,160,454.

Two Commission on Audit commissioners had reportedly approved the Negros Occidental provincial government contracts for the sale and lease of its 7.7-hectare prime property in Bacolod City to AyalaLand Inc. in mid-August but the COA has yet to release its ruling, DAILY STAR sources said yesterday.

The two commissioners were identified as Juanito Espino Jr. and Heidi Mendoza, with COA chairperson Ma. Gracia Pulido Tan having inhibited herself from the decision.

“Our understanding is that Chairman Grace Tan has inhibited herself over the concern that the law firm of her husband is the lawyer of the Sys,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda had said in April .