Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella called the New Government Center project of the city government "the biggest scam of the century" and "grandmother of all scams" and claimed that Mayor Evelio Leonardia and City Legal Officer Allan Zamora are attempting a cover-up.

Reacting to the solon's claims, however, Leonardia said what is happening is truly an example of the saying, "Thinkers are doers."

At the public consultation he called Saturday at Sea Breeze Hotel, Puentevella said that he was supportive of the project at the start, but decided to oppose it when the city government engaged in a questionable bidding process.

"If he is not hiding anything why did he not agree to the challenge of Zamora to bring the issues on the government center, liquid fertilizer, rehabilitation of the Paglaum Sports Complex, and all the others to the Bacolod Plaza, which is our version of the Plaza Miranda?" Leonardia asked.

"I'm for this project at the start. I only differed during the bidding process," Puentevella said at the gathering, attended by the councilors Elmer Sy, Catalino Alisbo and Reynold Iledan, who had opposed the ratification of the agreement between the city government and contractor Hilmarc's Construction Corp.

Eight or nine contractors submitted their bids but only Hilmarc's was considered by Leonardia and the Bids and Awards Committee, while the rest were disqualified.

Puentevella said he called the consultation to clear his name from the allegations that he has a favored bidder and the accusation that he is an "economic saboteur" for raising questions on the bidding process.

"I agree with Atty. Zamora's description of that consultation as a 'circus' that Puentevella had orchestrated and was clearly biased, malicious and a political propaganda gimmick," Leonardia said.

Leonardia said it is apparent that it is he (Puentevella) who is using a smokescreen because, on their part, they are very sure of their position.

Puentevella assailed Leonardia for allegedly ignoring the services of Bacolod architects when they supposedly could have given the city government a sound advice regarding the project that he believes is overpriced at the P394 million, as it could be finished at only P250 million, based on estimates of the architects he said he consulted.

Leonardia, however, said, the bidding was open to everybody, and Bacolod architects and contractors were welcome to it and, in fact, some of them are believed to have participated through their companies or groups. However, they did not qualify.

At the consultation, the architects who came were led by former vice mayor Ramiro Garcia, Silverio Ureta and Rialino Alisbo, dean of La Consolacion College, College of Architecture and Fine Arts.

Rialino Alisbo, who is the son of Councilor Catalino Alisbo, said the failure of the city government to consult with architects led to problems that it is experiencing with the project. They just allowed the contractor to dictate on them, he claimed.

Meanwhile, the city released the P59 million mobilization fund to Hilmarc's Construction Corp. Friday. "We are very confident about the transparency and the legality of all the steps taken in the bidding and awarding, so we are not bothered by those who are sour-graping," Leonardia also said.

DONOR'S VIEW

Gina Piccio, one of the donors, said after the consultation, that they don't mind about the legalities involved in the project since what is good for the people of Bacolod is the only thing that matters to them.

She said that, as a taxpayer of Bacolod, she cares for what is good for the people, that is why they donated property for the government center.

Piccio said it does not matter whether city funds or a loan from the bank will be used to fund the project, because eventually the money for the payment will come from the city funds, anyway.

She said, however, it would be advantageous if the city has the money to construct the project so we will not have to pay for the interest and other charges.

She said their contract stipulates that the city government project should commence by the end of December 2006 and that the city must complete it in 30 months.

Piccio said the owners' copy of their title is in their vault, and it is over 50 years old. She said it is a clean title since their grandfather does not have loans.

Meanwhile, Puentevella also claimed that his family is being harassed by the present administration. He was reacting to a blind item (On the beat) published in November 2006.

"What this is all about, we will know in one week's time because my children will speak up," Puentevella said. "They should spare my children from politics," he said.

One of his sons has been announced by a mayoralty bet to be one of her candidates for councilor.

Puentevella said their real character (referring to the administration) will come out during election time.

Leonardia said, "Look who's talking." He said the solon is somebody who has persecuted so many and he is talking of harassment, he said. Let him cite specifics and let the people be the judge, he added.

"Let's remember that he fired the first shot," Leonardia said. "Now that we are defending ourselves, he cries harassment," he also said.*NLG/CGS

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