MCIAA told: Submit docs on controversial lot purchase

CEBU, Philippines - The Commission on Audit is asking the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) for a copy of pertinent documents, including the proof of payment of the controversial lot it bought for P590 million.

The documents include the joint motion of MCIAA and the lot owners’ heirs to the Court of Appeals containing a prayer for the issuance of an order directing the Register of Deeds of Lapu-Lapu City to transfer the name of the original Certificates of Title No. 3632 to Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and the order of the CA as prayed for by the parties.

COA cited the CA-approved compromise agreement entered into between Juana Patalinghug Maranga, representative of the heirs of Pulvera, and MCIAA, as represented by former general manager Nigel Paul Villarete, on April 15, 2016 that contained two important stipulations.

The agreement stated that within 10 days from approval by the Office of the Solicitor-General, the parties through their counsels shall submit the contract through a joint motion to the CA praying for the issuance of the order.

Within 10 days from the receipt of the notice of issuance of CA’s order as prayed for by the parties, MCIAA shall release the full amount of P590 million net of all taxes and expenses to the heirs of Pulvera.

Upon release of the check, the heirs of Pulvera shall also turnover to MCIAA the possession of the owner’s duplicate copy of the certificate of title.

On the other hand, anti-graft crusader Crisologo Saavedra submitted COA’s letter dated June 7, 2017 addressed to MCIAA General Manager Steve Dicdican to the Senate Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management (BROOM) as rejoinder to his complaint he earlier filed.

Saavedra said the compromise agreement dated April 15, 2016 has a time frame to comply with and specific performance to be followed otherwise it would be considered null and void.

“If there was an order from the CA to transfer the title to MCIAA addressed to the Register of Deeds, Mactan 10 days time frame, how come until the present the title is still under the name of the lot owner Juan Pulvera and Julia Igot (heirs of Pulvera)?,” asked Saavedra.

Saavedra is asking the COA, the Ombudsman, the Office of the President, the Department of Transportation, and the Senate BROOM to undertake proper urgent action to protect the P590 million taxpayers’ money.

Saavedra earlier filed plunder case against Villarete, MCIAA Assistant General Manager Glenn Napuli, Legal Division acting chief Cyril Apao, and former MCIAA Board member Pericles Dakay before the Office of the Ombudsman.

He also asked the Senate BROOM for an investigation in aid of legislation into the alleged P590 million anomalous transaction of the MCIAA.

His complaint came following the transaction entered into between MCIAA officials headed by Villarete and the sellers of the property, which is adjacent to the Waterfront Hotel-Mactan and is being leased out by MCIAA to cargo companies. A portion of the property is also being used as access road to and from the airport.

Saavedra alleged that the price of the lot was jacked up to P13,980 per square meter from the original price of P3,500 per square meter as posted prior to the signing of a compromise agreement, which stemmed from a civil case involving MCIAA and the owners of the property, Eduarda Patalinghug and Maximo Pulvera.

The CA then approved the compromise agreement which obligated MCIAA to release the payment of P590 million to the Pulvera family.

Napuli earlier said MCIAA was left with no choice but to adhere to the directive of the appellate court

Saavedra said the transaction entered into by the parties was “grossly disadvantageous” and had caused “undue injury” to the government, thus, violating the Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act).

He said the MCIAA paid P590 million for the 42, 329-square meter lot when only 37, 038 square meters can be delivered and titled to the MCIAA because 5, 291 square meters of the lot is actually owned by a certain Anatalia Booc, who is not part of the compromise agreement and did not sell her share.

He said all the parties who signed the compromise agreement decided not to agree with the P3,500 per square meter but with the P14, 000.

According to Saavedra, it would not have happened if MCIAA officials were diligent in the performance of their duties to protect the taxpayers’ money. (FREEMAN)