2 execs of Aussie firm face theft charges

Two executives of the Australian company that undertook the P700-million partial rehabilitation of the Philippine National Railways’ South Line extending from Calamba, Laguna to Legazpi City, Albay have been barred from leaving the country due to theft charges filed against them by their Filipino subcontractor.

Arrest warrants have been issued by Caloocan City Regional Trial Court Judge Adoracion Angeles against Terry Welch and Julian Jones, project engineer and general manager, respectively, of MVM Rail Philippines Inc., in connection with the theft case filed against them by Jun Oñate, president of Linkman Inc.

Also charged were Rogelio Urzabia, Rolando Duma and Manuelito Castro, all employees of MVM with offices in Legazpi City.

Oñate accused Welch and Jones, both Australians, of allegedly ordering Urzabia, Duma and Castro to take 660 pre-cast concrete sleepers or wood and steel rail parts worth P1.23 million belonging to Linkman from the sleeper factory they put up inside the PNR compound in Caloocan City last July 2.

Oñate said the incident was tantamount to theft since the accused allegedly failed to pay him some P40 million from a P52-million subcontract deal.

Under the deal, Linkman was tasked to undertake parts of the rehabilitation of the PNR South Line, including the supply of concrete sleepers.

The PNR South Line partial rehabilitation project was reportedly funded by a loan from the EFIC, an Australian financial institution.

Welch and Jones have reportedly posted bail. But Oñate said he is working for the issuance of a hold-departure order for them from the Bureau of Immigration.