Marañon won’t refund bizmen of payment in sheep purchase

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The Negros Occidental Capitol would not reimburse the two businessmen asking for refund of payment in their purchase of 21 heads of sheep from the provincial government.

This was the declaration of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. in his letter on March 7 to businessmen Rafael Abello and Aurelio Lacson, stating the deeds of absolute sale on the livestock executed between them and the provincial government were valid and binding.

Abello, in his letter to Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena dated February 25, said that based on media reports and a trusted source, he learned that the sheep he bought from the provincial government were overpriced.

The matter needs to be investigated because he was one of the injured parties having bought 21 heads of sheep from the Negros First Ranch for P357,600, said Abello.

Lacson, in a separate letter to Decena last February 27, aired similar sentiments and asked to rescind his purchase of 20 ewes and a ram for P345,000.

Both businessmen also alleged that some private individuals were given free breeder ewes and rams.

In reply to the two, Marañon wrote: “There can be no denying that the deed of absolute sale subject of this letter having been fully consummated almost a year ago is valid, binding, and effective between us. ... all the essential elements of a valid agreement such as consent freely given, object certain and consideration were all present in all our discussions, negotiations and executions of the deed. As such, the terms and conditions contained therein constitute the law between the parties.”

Marañon also told them the allegation that the Capitol has been dispersing for free the same livestock to other people was false. He also denied accusations that their acquisition of the livestock was overpriced. It was a “pure and simple product of a wild, baseless and black propaganda against the province.” he wrote.

“It is not even relevant at all to the validity of the deed of absolute sale we executed. In short it does not merit any attention whatsoever … We do not wish to further dignify this shameful falsehood,” Marañon said.

The governor also told Abello: “Please be assured that in the same way that we have been dealing with RGA Farms when we were buying Blood Boer buck and doe and Camborough parent stock gilt and Camborough boar since 2010, 2011, and 2012 with all transparency, regularity and good faith, the transaction (on sheep) were likewise done in the same vein.”

Provincial lawyer Ma. Jose Maria Valencia, for his part, had earlier said he was surprised that it is only now that Lacson and Abello raised the issue of overprice in their purchase of sheep when they were not coerced or forced to buy the sheep last year.

Valencia said the timing by which the two businessmen raised such issues may be politically motivated.  (FREEMAN)