Singson tags Erap crony in controversial Poro Point deal

Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson said yesterday that a crony of jailed former President Joseph Estrada bagged the Poro Point deal under questionable circumstances during his administration.

In a press conference held at the Sulu Hotel in Quezon City, Singson identified Estrada’s crony as Manny Tan, one of the country’s big rice traders.

Singson made the accusations as he belied earlier reports that he is involved in the Poro Point takeover last week.

He said Tan and his wife, who owned the Bulk Handlers and its subsidiary, the Poro Point Industrial Corp. (PPIC), got the contract which transfered to the company the operation, management, administration and development of the thriving seaport in San Fernando, La Union from the Bases Conversion and Development Corp. (BCDA) in 1999.

"I want to make it clear that I have no personal or business interest in Poro Point. However, given the questionable circumstances under which it was transferred to a very influential private investor like Manny Tan, I support the move to have the contract revisited and the requisite bidding process be observed," Singson said.

He added that his only concern in Poro Point is its potential as a catalyst for rapid economic growth and development in Region I.

"Because I am from this region, we should not squander this opportunity for economic growth. Rather, the port’s management should be turned over to the most qualified and competent bidder in a public bidding," Singson said.

Singson said if the government will give in to the media blitz and return the Poro Point’s administration to Tan’s group, it will be sending the wrong signals to local and foreign investors that "we have institutionalized graft and corruption here in the Philippines."

He said the Tan couple were influential businessmen engaged in various import enterprises and use the port to gain advantage over other importers.