Ilonggo solons vow to take part in airport probe

By Erly C. Garcia

All the representatives of Iloilo 's five districts and the Iloilo City lone district assured full participation in the upcoming congressional inquiry on alleged anomalies in the new Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP).

In a press briefing over the weekend Rep. Ferjenel Biron ( 4 th district) said it is their moral duty as representatives of the province to take part in the investigation of a multi-billion project that affects not only Iloilo but the whole of Western Visayas .

“We would like to correct the impression that we only wanted to delay the project for political reasons,” Biron said, adding, “ we just can't ignore the fact that this project is beset with anomalies.”

Rep. Janette Garin (1 st district), who was one of those who signed the resolution urging for the investigation of the project, said all of the congressmen from Iloilo have decided to join together in order to ensure a comprehensive and objective investigation.

She also clarified that her move has nothing to do with politics, her father-in-law being the opponent of Governor Niel Tupas in last year's election.

“As the voice of the first district it is my utmost duty to participate in the investigation to straighten things up,” Garin said.

Rep. Rolex Suplico ( 5 th district), who is a nephew of Governor Tupas , said he would also participate in the investigation so the people would know the truth behind the allegations of anomalous transactions.

Suplico added it would be good on the part of Governor Tupas and other officials involved in the project because they could air their side.

Iloilo City Rep. Raul Gonzalez, Jr. and Roilo Golez of Parañaque also vowed to take part in the investigation.

Reports said that the Lower House is finally set to begin its investigation few weeks from now.

The move to investigate the P6.8 billion airport project in Cabatuan-Sta . Barbara was the offshoot of the expose of third district Board Member Manny Gallar .

The house probe would ascertain the validity and propriety of airport-related transactions entered into by Gov. Tupas and the local government units ( LGUs ) of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara.

To note, the Lower House conducted a congressional inquiry on the airport project last year with former second district Rep. Augusto Syjuco as complainant.

The investigation stopped after Syjuco joined Tupas ' party in May elections.