 PALOFAX | | CONGRESS
(Batasang Complex) QUEZON CITY. Internationally-renowned Filipino architect Felino
Palafox of the only ISO-registered architectural firm Palafox and Associates lambasted
before a congressional committee investigating the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan
Area) row - existence of an alleged Mafia in the area which had victimized many
doing business in the area.
Palafox
named the unholy alliance members as former Congressman Prospero Pichay, senator
Dick Gordon, PAGCOR Chairman Efren Genuino and Congresswoman Cosculella of Zambales
and her father. |
The
famed architect named names as he earlier promised in his crusade against corruption
and the preservation of the environment - despite death threats and a well-financed
demolition job against him. The UST-Harvard educated personality said these complaints
against the alleged Mafia were relayed to him by those reportedly victimized by
the group.
Earlier
Palafox said he was indirectly approached by men identified with the SBMA Board
that he had to fork out 18 percent of the project cost for his firm to be short-listed
in the firms to re-evaluate the SBMA Master Plan. He refused.
| | | The
famed architect said that a certain Col Odono, representing Mainland China interests
was reportedly ready to fork out P8 million to top SBMA officials just to be allowed
to do business in Subic.
The
hearing on the Subic Bay controversy was supposed to be done in the senate either
through the Environmental Committee of senator Jamby Madrigal and ironically the
Blue Ribbon Committee of Senator Dick Gordon.
According
to Palafox, the five SBMA Mafia was in cahoots with SBMA Administrator Armand
Arreza, who Palafox accused of stating blatant lies during the committee hearing. |
WINS
ROUND ONE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Palafox
also apparently won round one in his gallant fight against the Environment. Earlier
he refused to affix his signature on an architectural plan for a casino complex
of the Korean's Grand Utopia in Subic since the project would involve the cutting
of 330 centuries-old trees. He gave up a million dollars worth of architect's
fee or P49 million.
Instead
he complained to the Palace and the DENR that this deal violates the law since
the area would now be considered an urban jungle.
During
the congressional hearing, the DENR publicly announced that its environmental
clearance for the project will include a provision that no single tree will be
cut.
Earlier
the DENR had revoked the authority of the SBMA to issue environmental clearances
for projects in the area. Lawyers in the hearing opined that a "delegated
authority cannot be re-delegated" unless there is an amendment to the law.
Due
to media vigilance and citizenship awareness, the cranes were not able to demolish
the trees since December last year. Palafox in the meantime, had received letters
of support from environmentalists from 50 countries and from 2,000 signatures
of bishops and priests.
The
media event is expected to elicit comments from the accused Mafia in the coming
days - considering they are big-time government officials or former officials.
In
the meantime, the Grand Utopia Plan must stay for another day - and be rehashed
to include 330 trees swaying happily to the sound of mambo music while facing
the blue resplendent Subic Bay waters.
Round
One goes to Palafox.
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