DIZON (DPWH FB)
ILOILO CITY – Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon was asked to personally explain to local officials the processes in awarding the unsolicited bridge project in Boracay Island to San Miguel Corp.
Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member Alan Palma Sr. said it is best if Dizon personally comes to Malay and explain what transpired while local officials repeatedly opposed to the bridge that will link world-famous Boracay Island to mainland Malay town in Aklan province.
Palma questioned Dizon’s April 15 statements to the media that there were “consultations” and “agreements” made between the provincial government of Aklan and San Miguel Corp.
“Mas maganda nga po sana kung mismong si Secretary Vince Dizon po ang pumunta dito para ipaliwanag kung ano po ang nag-transpire during sa negosasyon na wala po tayong ka alam-alam (It is best if Secretary Dizon personally comes here to explain what transpired during the negotiations that we know nothing about),” Palma said.
WHITE sand beach in Boracay. (Tara Yap)
He said that Dizon’s public statements about alleged agreements with officials in Aklan may be misinterpreted by the people.
Palma reiterated that DPWH should show respect to the local government unit (LGU) of Malay and residents as they will be directly impacted by the project.
“I would like to let the people know that we from Malay are also blinded. We from Malay were disrespected (by DPWH),” Palma said.
The councilor was alarmed by Dizon’s statement that DPWH is only there to facilitate concerns of local stakeholders and it is up to San Miguel Corp. to address these.
“Bakit kailangan ituro ng DPWH ang San Miguel Corp. ay kabahagi po sila sa Boracay bridge project? (Why did DPWH point fingers at San Miguel Corp. when they are part of this Boracay bridge project?)” Palma said.