For most who know me well, I am a person who respect anyone's opinion on any matter, but with Mr. Sa-onoy's column regarding my participation in the SM-Ayala issue,here is my reaction.

My answer is "NO", I do not favor SM over Ayala, and I was present during the second bidding (not absent as published).  And honestly, I believed that SM won, simply because they offered a much higher bid. but to my surprise, the following day (Friday) with out me, the committee declared the 2nd bidding a failure, and sent notice to both SM and Ayala (with out my signature). I really do not know why they felt my signature was neither needed or important.  But I did not mind, because I have confidence with our legal opinion, they saw that both bidders did not reach our P19,500 and then, they were both invited  that following monday to show up to the Committee in the Capitol, as we would then proceed to negotiations (because another bidding would be impracticable) Monday came, I was there to participate in the drafting of the terms of reference, met with reps. from both parties, we all participated in drafting the TOR. and had lunch afterwards.. during lunch, we all signed the finalized TOR, and I witnessed that only  SM reps, "did not sign". then a couple of days later. as we all know, they filed for TRO (RTC), in short, Contesting that the 2nd bidding was not a failure.

From then on, despite my confidence of whatever our decisions in the Executive Committee, i already felt we should now do things slowly, carefully and with much sensitivity.

I'm coming from, SM is one of  the biggest investments in Negros today(employing thousands of Negrenses), Signalling to many other investors that its feasible to invest here in Negros! And their mere willingness to expand their investment in the province? as a host, i apply the saying, "CUSTOMERS ARE ALWAYS RIGHT" as their "high end" lawyers, see irregularities with the process,all the more indeed, we should have paused and at least reflected a bit.

it is obvious why i am caught in a dilemma of easy judgement and intrigue, and its because I'm politically in partnership with Cong. Albee Benitez.

And I accept that as true.. believe me, in my own capacity I tried to iron things out, since our Congressman (Benitez) is close to the owners of SM. 

When Rep. Benitez, empathized with the complaints of SM on the matter, still he told me to let due process find its way on this. (leave it to the courts to decide)
 for "delicadeza" and in giving respect to the Provincial Govt. of Negros, Especially with its leaders, vowing he will not lift a finger to influence anything regarding the contested property.

negotiation day came. and being the lone negotiator, it was awarded to Ayala. For the record, I firmly believe in the sincerity, legality and wisdom of the committee headed by Gov. Maranon, as well as the governor's  vision in changing the landscape of Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

Still bearing deeply in mind, that the SM group is yelling out  "FOUL", with their disbelief of the way things were done.

Now, I will proceed to the SP...Vice Gov. Alvarez called all the members to a caucus, as the Executive Committee headed by the Governor  will present the situation, as well as the outcome.

We listened and questioned.. in my opinion, we all were satisfied with their reasoning and legal stand (including myself).

On record, during the caucus.. i suggested to the Council, that we must be patient,  be careful and sensitive and go an extra mile in giving respect to SM. Off the record, i begged them all that we give it a week or two, before we act on anything regarding SM and Ayala...

And as Chairman of the Committee on govt. assets, to approve the awarded contract. my decision was final.
And was then planning as soon as possible, to invite SP members of the committee, in giving SM a chance to explain the irregularities they see, through a com. hearing.

Again, to my surprise, during our lunch after the caucus.. my colleagues came up with a decision to approve the contract in the afternoon.

I begged off, as Chairman of Assets. but they agreed they will approve it still anyway, through the Committee on Laws.

So why i decided to be absent? because, I do not want my emotions to run over me in the SP regular session due to this one matter that I am sure the majority will approve anyway.

 As different men see subjects, in different light, I respect their (SP) unanimous decision, although i am very saddened by it.

Not because i favor SM, nor because I do not believe in the vision of Ayala.

But with my own belief on how we treat investors, existing and upcoming. At the end of the day,it all boils down to us finding the best way to resolve all this, clear ourselves (Prov. Govt) from malice and wrong judgment

And move on in making Negros a greater province.

Board Member Patrick Lacson
imagine4negros@yahoo.com

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