By Azer N. Parrocha
MANILA, Oct. 31 (PNA) — Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. was confident the controversial Php700-million Iloilo Convention Center (ICC) will withstand scrutiny after it was recently accused of its construction cost being overpriced.
Jimenez made the statement after graft and plunder charges were filed against him, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Department of Public Works (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson and other DPWH officials before the Ombudsman in connection with alleged overpriced convention center.
The charges were filed by former Iloilo provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada, who accused Drilon of being the brains behind the alleged rigged project.
Mejorada, in his complaint, said that Drilon pushed for the funding of the contract from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). Both PDAF and DAP were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Once the convention center is completed, he said that it would be overpriced by Php487.851 million because with a total floor area of 6,400 square meters, the unit cost for the construction and completion of the establishment would cost Php106,226 per square meter.
He explained that the SM Mall of Asia SMX convention center was built for Php26,400 per square meter, which is within the industry standard of Php30,000 per square meter.
The former Iloilo exec further said that Drilon’s pet project should have only cost not more than Php192-million.
Drilon, however, denied these allegations were true and suspected Mejorada as having a personal grudge against him. The Senate President has filed a libel case against Mejorada.
“I express full trust and confidence in the competence and sincerity of all those involved in the ICC Project. I firmly believe that our actions in support of this project will withstand scrutiny,” Jimenez said in a statement.
“Notwithstanding this unfortunate allegation of overpricing, we will not allow this distraction to derail our mission to make tourism a force for growth and inclusiveness in this country,” he added.
Singson, like Jimenez has also expressed confidence that the construction undertaken for the convention center was above board.
Malacanang earlier defended the two cabinet secretaries saying that both would be able to defend themselves without taking a leave of absence. (PNA)