Dino as Presidential assistant: Group rejects appointment

CEBU, Philippines - A group of volunteers who campaigned for president-elect Rodrigo Duterte is opposed to the looming installation of Cebuano businessman Michael Lloyd Dino as presidential assistant for the Visayas.

In a two-page manifesto, 12 of Duterte's "district and provincial political officials in Cebu" are questioning Dino's credentials and track record.

"Gusto lang mi nga ang mapili diri sa Cebu, mo-represent sa Visayas group, ug dili lang tungod kay connected siya sa business interest… Naa ma'y mga maayo nga tawo nga maka-represent sa Visayas," lawyer Rex Fernandez, one of the signatories to the manifesto, told The FREEMAN over the phone last night.

Fernandez believes that Dino's appointment may "spell a possible conflict of interest" considering that Dino is a businessman. Dino is the executive vice president of Fifth Avenue Property Development Corp., the supposed partner of the Cebu provincial government in undertaking the Ciudad Project in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

It was a project that did not materialize after the city, faced with traffic problems, issued a moratorium on any construction along the Banilad-Talamban corridor.

"Kung naa ka'y (personal) interest g'yud, it will tend to have a conflict with the government and the government will have to a cover a whole gamut of interests of the people. So if mosud ka sa government, tangtangon nimo tanan nimo nga interests so you have to divest," Fernandez said.

The manifesto, dated May 26, also shows the signatures of Emmanuel Crucio, Norlando Osano Jr., Neil Papas, Cathy Maluya, Ennoh Chentis Fernandez, Winley de la Fuente, Wendell Cabrera, Louie Trocio, Jimmy Veliganilao, Seth Tugonon, and Christopher Ruiz. They are suggesting that for nominees from the business sector, there should be a written and published disclosure of business interests and dealings with the government.

"The person being named should have the track record of his ability to forge unity, resolve conflicts and working with key stakeholders and our allies in Cebu," the manifesto read.

When sought for comment, Dino's camp chose to remain mum on the matter.

"We prefer not to issue any statement for now… but if naa'y development, we will let you know," Dino's spokesman Jonji Gonzales said.

Dino, Gonzales, and Miguelito Pato are the founders of Bisaya Na Pud initiative which was launched February this year to support Duterte's candidacy. The group's name roughly translates to "Visayan this time," referring to their battle cry which is for a Bisaya to win the presidency in Duterte.

Fernandez, however, explained that Bisaya Na Pud is just a parallel campaign group in the Visayas as compared to the "Duterte Campaign Team," which he described as the main national campaign machinery of Duterte, of which Fernandez and the 11 other signatories were part.

Before the May 9 elections, Fernandez said they served as local support to Duterte's campaign here in Cebu.

In their manifesto, the group maintains that Duterte's successful campaign in the Visayas could be attributed to various movements. They fear that "Dino and his Bisaya Na Pud would just claim credit for what we achieved."

The conflict between pro-Duterte groups in Cebu has also reportedly spread online.

Fernandez's group has accused Dino's Bisaya Na Pud of attacking one of their members on the social media earlier this week through the "Mugstoria" page, instead of attempting to resolve "internal disagreements within the Cebu network" of Duterte supporters.

Duterte's campaign manager Leoncio Evasco Jr. was reportedly aware of the group's issuance of the manifesto. 

"Yes, we have raised it to Evasco…that we will make the manifesto. Giingnan namo siya nga it is unacceptable for us (because Dino) cannot represent the Visayas team," said Fernandez, recalling a meeting with Evasco less than two weeks ago.

"Evasco said it will be taken care of… that it will be considered. And I think it will be considered," he added.

When asked if he has someone in mind who can possibly replace Dino, Fernandez said, "Daghan man, we just cannot think kung kinsa ba."

Duterte named Dino as his Visayas presidential assistant last May 17 in Davao City, around the same time he bared the members of his would-be Cabinet.

"Yes, I am very honored as the first Cebuano appointee (in the Duterte administration)…I will be the voice of the Visayas. Kung unsa'y concerns nato diri, at least dali nga mapaabot to the president… so that there will be harmony and progress here," Dino said in a phone interview after his appointment.

Dino said his functions will include executing the directives of the president and coordinating with line agencies in the region, among others.

Once he assumes office, he said he will help find solutions to the water crisis and traffic problems.

Dino, 47, said he considers himself a Cebuano by heart, having spent most of his childhood and adult life in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. He finished high school at the Sacred Heart School for Boys and earned a degree in Business Management at the De La Salle University in Manila. — /BRP  (FREEMAN)