Clarification

This letter is in response to the May 14, 2013 Spy Bits column (“Who’s behind the Bonifacio Global City blockage?”) of Mr. Babe Romualdez. In the article, Mr. Romualdez talked about the blockage of potted plants at the intersection of 5th Avenue and McKinley Parkway in Bonifacio Global City, and the ensuring complaints coming from motorists and BGC residents.

We understand Mr. Romualdez’s deep concern on this matter, and we would like to respectfully take this opportunity to address and clarify some of the issues that have been raised in his column.

Mr. Romualdez remarked in his article that “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.”

We would like to clarify that the management of traffic routes in BGC is under the administration of the Bonifacio Estate Services Corp. (BESC). Thus, the BCDA was not involved in drawing up the new traffic scheme, as well as the putting up of the blockade. We were only informed of the rerouting through an advisory sent by the BESC to all BGC locators, including the BCDA last Feb. 29.

Mr. Romualdez noted that the BCDA’s “boss” should be the people, and we absolutely agree – we are firm in our commitment to abide by President Aquino’s “Matuwid na Daan” policy, and this includes his “kayo ang boss ko” principle.

Having said that, the BCDA must nonetheless abide by the traffic guidelines set forth by the BESC, with the faith that the new scheme was put in place not to cause confusion or inconvenience among BGC’s many visitors and residents, but rather to help ease the escalating traffic situation in the area.

We deeply appreciate Mr. Romualdez’s comments on this matter, and we share his concern for the welfare of the public. Rest assured that the BCDA is one with the BESC and the Taguig City government in pushing for greater progress in the area, and fostering a level playing field for all businesses in BGC.

Should your office be interested in discussing the matter with BCDA in greater detail, our president and CEO, Mr. Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, would be more than happy to meet and speak with you.

Thank you and please receive my warmest regards and highest esteem. LEILANI BARLONGAY-MACASAET Public Affairs Manager