The Daily Tribune <<< Without Fear or Favor >>>

»HEADLINES

»NATION

Graft at DBP

MR. EXPOSE

Amb. Ernesto Maceda

03/31/2009

The Ombudsman has filed graft charges against former DBP Chairman Vitaliano Nañagas for claiming and receiving reimbursement of P310,665.73 for a shopping spree during an official trip to New York and Washington in 2004.

On top of that, Nañagas also received P66,374.28 in reimbursements for meetings in the Philippines.

This confirms the persistent complaint of DBP rank and file employees who prepared the vouchers and checks that top DBP officials are receiving fabulous amounts in allowances and reimbursements. DBP middle managers also report that these practices are continuing to date and had been the subject of disallowances by CoA auditors in 2006-2007.

Figures cited go as high as several millions in reimbursements for top officers. DBP records also show that under the present leadership, the number of trips abroad by DBP officials have quadrupled, with some going to Hong Kong regularly on “official trips.”

With the Ombudsman’s filing of charges against DBP Chairman Nañagas, the new CoA auditor at DBP should examine minutely all payments and reimbursements made in 2008.

There’s outrage in the US against bonuses paid by AIG, Merrill Lynch and other private firms. It is more outrageous when a government office distributes such largesse in public funds, at a time when GMA herself has directed government offices to save, and even canceled an Independence Day parade.

The luxurious parade at DBP and other government financial institution must be halted. CoA, Ombudsman, PAGC, BIR, do your jobs. 2010 is just around the corner.

q q q

Good move. GMA has canceled the Independence Day parade to save P30 million. She also directed government offices to save 1 ½ percent of MOOE funds. Both are excellent moves.

But it would be more impressive if she saved more on MOOE by clamping down on illegal use of government vehicles and the misuse of representation expenses for lunches and dinners in five-star restaurants.

Again, there is the abuse of back up vehicles of sub Cabinet executive officials, mayors and police generals. The longest convoy accompanies MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando and PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa. So much gasoline used.

The number of people joining delegations to international conferences is excessive. Start with limiting the number of DFA officials going to conferences abroad. In many such conferences, the local embassies at the conference venue would be sufficient to represent the country. Recall the 15-man delegation that went to the St. Petersburg Interpol Conference.

Legislative and Supreme Court trips also spend a lot of money.

Once again there is further need to limit the number of officials being given free cellphones as well as limiting their usage.

With a projected P200 billion deficit this year, these excesses are unacceptable. Good move, Madame GMA, but add and expand to the list of prohibited expenses.

q q q

Violent welcome. MILF commander Ameril Umbra Kato gave GMA a hot welcome to Maguindanao by engaging the elements of the 601st Infrantry Brigade in a fierce firefight at Mamasapano with 27 persons killed, including seven soldiers on the day she arrived.

MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu claimed only two rebels were killed and that a least 10 soldiers were killed. He blamed the military for starting the firefight. The bottom line, the AFP is not winning the war against the MILF in Central Mindanao and commander Umbra Kato is running rings around the AFP. Sad, very sad.

q q q

Quo vadis? Rep. Jose de Venecia has confirmed that Rep. Mikey Arroyo and sidekick Rep. Martin Romualdez, Kokoy’s son, offered to return him to the speakership in exchange for support for the Cha-cha by Con-Ass resolution.

Do Mikey and Martin control the majority in the House? Probably not. But with FG’s backing, they can get the votes to unseat Speaker Boy Nograles.

GMA tried some damage control in Davao by praising Nograles for his firm leadership in a speech before the convention of Provincial Board Members.

For the beleaguered oppositionists to Cha-cha, Comelec Chairman Jose Melo has come to the rescue by announcing that even if the Cha-cha resolution is passed and upheld, the resulting amendments will have to be voted upon in a plebiscite. Chairman Melo said there is no longer time for a plebiscite before the 2010 elections. And if GMA insists, he will resign.

GMA can improve her credibility if she now publicly tells Nograles and Rep. Luis Villafuerte to stop the Cha-Cha train.

q q q

Bad trip. We took our five grandchildren to a nature trip to Paradise Island, Palawan. The island beaches were as good as advertised but a few problems surfaced. First, the Cebu Pacific and PAL flights to Busuanga were both delayed. The culprit, a 40-minute wait at the NAIA tarmac before the air controllers gave them clearance to take off. Second, with the short runway in Busuanga, it was a hard landing. Third, Paradise Island sends an ordinary, uncomfortable jeep to meet tourists. Fourth, the road from the airport to the makeshift pier to take the boat was in bad shape and painfully bumpy, (Attention: Gov. Joel Reyes), taking 30 minutes. Once paved, it would take 15 minutes only. Fifth, the boat ride was nice and safe, but to disembark on the beach was difficult for young kids or seniors. How about building a short 200 meter pier? Sixth, the 40 cottages at Paradise Island resort were okay, three-star quality but two out of the five rooms we occupied had poor airconditioners. So they provided electric fans. Seventh, the prices of drinks were prohibitive: P110 for a bottle of water or softdrink, P150 for beer. Eighth, some resort personnel lacked training in basic courtesy. Ninth, going to Caluit Island to see the giraffes, zebras and other African animals was good. But again, no pier at Caluit, very bad roads to go 10 kilometers to where the animals were, no store to buy refreshments, so make sure to bring your own. Tenth, going to the airport for the return trip at 2:30 p.m., we left the resort at 11:30 a.m., so no lunch yet. Problem: At the airport there is no decent place to take lunch. We settled for bachoy noodles and some Oreo cookies. Again, the flights were delayed one hour. Eleventh, arriving at NAIA Terminal 3, the airport authorities directed our plane to the farthest end, no gate. We had to walk through the tarmac in the sun to climb about 40 steps up to the terminal.

In short, the kids enjoyed it but for us it was a bad trip!

q q q

Tidbits. Gov. Jun Ynares and father, former Gov. Ito Ynares, were the principal negotiators for the release of three PNP personnel held hostage by the NPA in Rizal... As the TV shots showed, the Montalban area where the NPAs operate is much neglected with bad, muddy roads... Former Rep. Edmond Reyes is planning to run for Congress again in Marinduque. His cancer condition has improved... Add Eddie Villanueva to your list of presidential wannabes including Fr. Ed “Among” Panlilio and El Shaddai Supreme Leader Mike Velarde... Busuanga residents are talking about the island GMA bought which she visited last week... Bohol businessmen confirm FG bought the Eskaya resort in Tagbilaran... Looks like a three-cornered fight for governor of Palawan between Rep. Abraham Mitra, big businessman Pepito Alvarez and the wife of graduating Gov. Joel Reyes. Pepito Alvarez is budgeting P20 million per mayor... Why is the DND/AFP not accepting delivery of the C-130 plane that has been repaired? It’s been ready four months ago... Malacañang has challenged Governor Panlilio to file charges now against GMA.