Who’s behind the Bonifacio Global City blockage?

Spy Bits had received numerous complaints about the ridiculous blockage of potted plants installed before the traffic light at the intersection of 5th Avenue and McKinley Parkway in Bonifacio Global City. Residents going home to Pacific Plaza, Serendra and other BGC condominiums coming from Ayala via Forbes’ McKinley Road are being unnecessarily inconvenienced by the obstruction because it now takes twice the time to reach their destination since they have to either turn right or left and practically have to go around the entire Fort. It’s worse for guests and visitors especially those who are not very familiar with the Fort, with some admitting they end up at C5 after trekking the whole length of Lawton, then turning left at Bayani Road in total confusion.

There is very strong suspicion that whoever is behind this blockage must have a vested interest and probably wields a lot of power and influence over the BCDA (Bases Conversion and Development Authority), which is supposed to be the administrator of the road. Sources allege a “tug-of-war” between BCDA and the local government of Taguig, with the latter having jurisdiction over all roads in the city whether public or private. These so-called “influential bosses” claiming to be “close” to the administration are reportedly behind the blockage perhaps because they just want to engage in some “power tripping” – to the annoyance of Taguig city government officials who told us such irritants could discourage the public from visiting the commercial establishments and turn off potential investors as well.

Taguig has been supportive of companies engaged in property development and other businesses not only in BGC but in many areas because the local communities benefit through jobs. Most importantly, the presence of establishments like condos and malls make a substantial contribution to the local government coffers, not to mention a marked increase in property and real estate values. But how can investors be encouraged considering the unnecessary harassment and inconvenience caused by things like this BGC roadblock?

What is going on here?  Being a government entity, the BCDA’s “boss” should be the people as even President Aquino himself has enunciated – but why are they harassing the people by putting up the potty road blockade? Malacañang should look into these individuals who act and feel as if they are the “boss of all bosses.”

Long lines

By now we should have a new set of senators (recycled or otherwise), with the Commission on Elections certain they could start proclaiming at least the top eight winners 48 hours after yesterday’s elections. Over 52 million voters were registered for the midterm elections which is also indicative of the ballooning population, and despite the searing humid heat with occasional rain-showers, people endured long lines and patiently waited just to cast their votes.

In 2010 President Aquino had to wait for almost three hours just to vote, but this time it only took him a little over 20 minutes and less than “five seconds” to cast his ballot. Whether it was his personal decision or upon the advice of his handlers, it was certainly good PR to show the President waiting in line just like an ordinary citizen. The President himself said he was happy with the PCOS machines and predicted the elections to be successful despite a few hitches that can happen during elections anywhere.

Bobby Ongpin on a roll

The decision to lift the freeze order on the bank accounts of businessman Roberto “Bobby” Ongpin will certainly give him a breather, since the freeze order had made the situation very difficult for the business tycoon’s companies. This was perhaps something the Court of Appeals took into consideration when it said, “In all the accounts we have caused to be frozen… we failed to see the links between the alleged unlawful activity and the accounts… We need direct and hard evidence, otherwise we will be depriving the account holders of the use of their legitimate incomes.”

The Sandiganbayan trial, however, will continue and this could even drag on for a number of years. Ongpin’s lawyers are confident they were able to prove indisputable arguments showing there is no probable cause to indict their client, nor was there any allegation how Ongpin induced officials of the Development Bank of the Philippines into violating the Anti-Graft Law. Of course, the prosecutors have a contrary view, insisting that the loans granted to Ongpin were behest and that not enough safeguards were made against a possible default – something which Ongpin has consistently disputed.

Ongpin’s lawyers have also raised their objection to the Ombudsman’s “belated” move to inhibit Sandiganbayan Third Division Justices Francisco Villaruz Jr. and Samuel Martires from hearing the graft case, saying this could set a bad precedent since it was made after a public hearing has been set.

In any case, RVO seems to be on a roll nowadays especially with the latest information coming in that the shares of Balesin Island Resorts have been selling like “hotcakes,” and in addition even his Marina Yacht Club project next to Ricky Razon’s Solaire Hotel already has a long list of reservations despite the fact that they hardly broke ground.

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