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NORDIS
WEEKLY May 15, 2005 |
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Cid answers allegations of “money making” in Panagbenga |
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| BAGUIO CITY (May 12) — Panagbenga 2005 Chairperson Nelia G. Cid answered the allegations of City Councilor Rocky Thomas A. Balisong that she has a “money making” activity related to the event in the weekly mayor’s forum. In a privilege speech last April 25, Balisong said that the city should have profited well since there is an extension of Panagbenga. According to the Councilor, the extension of Panagbenga should have a total gross collection of P7, 140,000 from the stalls located at the Melvin Jones and Lake Drive. Balisong also questioned Administrative Order no. 24-05, which waived fees supposedly paid by the sponsors. He explained that the mayor disregarded the Tax Ordinance No. 2000-001 and provision of section 458 of the Local Government Code. In the provision, it is stated that only the Sangguniang Panlunsod, with its majority of votes, can enact ordinance with regard to fees and rates and the grants of tax exemptions. In response to the councilor’s allegations, Cid stated that the city did not profit well in the Panagbenga due to unpaid advertising and non-payment of the business permits of some stall owners. She also said that last March 14; she submitted an initial report, which include payables amounting to more than P3 million. But the final report is yet to be prepared since reports submitted were unclear. She also shared that there were suspicious deliveries and overpricing made in the report. Cid added that there is a need for auditing to counter check. She shared that the P1 million cash bond submitted by Publicis Dialog, the sole marketing agent of the Panagbenga, has been used to pay the events’ expenses. Publicis Dialog has not yet remitted the P15 to P30 million it earlier promised the city. Cid also explained that there is no private individual or entity that was allowed to collect any amount in Melvin Jones and Lake Drive as opposed to what Balisong was saying. She said that payments should be given or made directly to the office of the Baguio Panagbenga Festival Association (BPFFA) and not to any other businessman. # Sharon Ayes, Charissa Gonzales and Kristine Marie Torres, UP Baguio interns for NORDIS |
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