Recent news reports by Panlilio led Boulevard Holdings Inc. indicated ownership of the property where Friday’s Boracay Beach Resort is partly located. This, as the cases concerning land ownership was stopped by the Court of Appeals in December 10 of 2014 where the higher court found evidence that warranted a retrial of the decision handed down by Makati RTC branch 132. The regional trial court had ordered a writ of execution in favor of BHI, but was stopped by the Court of Appeals order as it prejudiced the rights of land owner Mila Sumndad.
Boulevard Holdings Inc. which claims the land bases its ownership on the writ of execution given by the Makati Court. According to Mila Sumndad, since the Court of Appeals stopped the writ of execution, what is their basis for ownership when I have the original tax certificate with me!
In February 14, 2014 the long term lease with BHI and Friday’s Holdings Inc. ended. Sumndad said there were no problems when they were dealing with William ‘Bill’ Lutrell, the Australian who built Friday’s Boracay Beach Resort and established the Friday’s Holdings Inc. It was only after Lutrell was murdered and Panlilio entered the picture, that all these problems arose. When the lease ended, we just took back what was lawfully and legally ours-said Sumndad.
In a recent case in Quezon City, BHI manifested ownership of the said property and showed an alleged tax declaration document from Aklan. ‘That document is FAKE! A FORGERY again instigated by Boulevard Holdings and its Chairman!’ Previous news reports allegedly cleared Panlilio on the forgery claim of Sumndad based on another case she filed where her signature was forged as affirmed by the PNP Crime Lab, in an alleged deed of sale and compromise agreement between her and BHI.
Here it is again, she said. ‘They have a penchant for FAKING documents and then presenting them as originals to the courts and the media’.
Mila Sumndad says she will fight in the courts, moreso that the tax declaration document numbered 2014-12-003-01441 as presented by Panlilio/BHI/FHI is of serious and doubtful validity.
The QC trial Court hearing the auction case, ordered the lawyers representing Friday’s Holdings Inc. to submit the original certified true copy of their document.
As originally ordered by the Court of Appeals, the ownership case is being conducted in Makati RTC Branch 146.
It would seem that the hand of god was finally extended to Bertie Lim with a slap on the nape that made him come to his senses and make a right decision for a change. Appointing Danny Corpuz as Undersecretary by far is one of the best actions and decisions he has made since his approval by the CA. Daniel G. Corpuz is a tourism long timer with an astute mind that works to create the foundations and partnerships for a successful tourism platform. Yes platform and not just a campaign.
Corpuz who is the son of O.D. Corpuz, the national writer, used to head the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation. He was the man behind the successful tourism plan that made Manila a mecca for the biggest conventions and activities in South East Asia. This man has no personal agenda and even avoids the limelight. Instead, as a loyal government employee, he attributes his achievements and success as opportunities only provided by the current Secretary he serves loyally. He says that he is only the tool and his success is the success of the Secretary. This is probably one of the most important aspects and characteristics that others have mostly lost in the service.
Danny was one of the first people to brief former Senator Dick Gordon when he assumed the position of DOT Secretary. Gordon was impressed with the briefing he got as Danny shelled out data and information during an impromptu presentation. No slides, no powerpoint, no preparations. Danny stood in front of a man who is probably one of the hardest people to impress. Gordon knew he was in front of a true specialist and Gordon’s only complaint was for Danny to speak with more confidence!
It was the same thing with Secretary Gemma Araneta who greatly depended on Danny and the PCVC to implement the hardest programs. At every point, Danny Corpuz delivered.
Danny may be a little older now and he is not perfect as someone reading this may arrive at as a conclusion. But by far, Corpuz brings to the DOT table, the insight, the knowledge and the support from the tourism private sector – elements that would make our tourism infrastructure more competitive.
With bad advisors as Rosvi Gaetos and corrupt officials like Undersecretary Theresa I. Martinez finally out of the DOT, Alberto Lim may finally get the right inputs from the right people and move tourism forward finally.
In a stunning decision lauded by the downtrodden employees of the Department of Tourism, the Ombudsman issued a decision that Undersecretary Theresa I Martinez was guilty of Nepotism based on a case filed against her in 2007 by the President of the employees association of the DOT.
The case stemmed from the hiring of Undersecretary Martinez’s brother, Mario Ilagan, in the San Francisco Office of the Department of Tourism. Finally some sense of justice from an Ombudsman who has been under fire for the Garcia fiasco.
The hands of Secretary Alberto Lim were tied based on the order from the Ombudsman which was executory immediately leaving him with no other option but to dispense with the corrupt Undersecretary Martinez. However, the DOT Secretary immediately stated that the Undersecretary was free to appeal the Ombudsman’s decision as is her right. But as of this date, there is no recourse but to follow the order and dismiss her from the service.
Once a person is dismissed from the service for cause, most specially one as grave as nepotism, all accrued benefits from government service are cancelled – retirement etc. Likewise, the individual is banned from further government service either appointive or by election. This prevents corrupt individuals from further peddling their “special talents” elsewhere.
Undersecretary Theresa I. Martinez is a protege of Narzalina Lim who recommended her highly to Secretary Alberto Lim. Martinez was an Assistant Secretary overseeing the Administrative Services of the DOT which controlled the contracting of parties and employees, financial operations and the purchasing of equipment and rental of facilities. She also controlled the legal office and the administrative liaison office of the DOT which conducted direct negotiations with Senators and Congressmen for tourism related bills, issues and their usual tours to countries they visit.
She has only been found guilty for NEPOTISM as regards the issue of her brother Mario Ilagan being hired at the SF DOT office as stated earlier. But other issues hound this government official as tourism insiders would put it. Here are some.
1. The hiring of security services where one particular person assigned to her is transferred from agency to agency in exchange for a contract in the DOT. This means that this same security personnel is adopted by the new security agency that has been granted a contract by Martinez.
2. The hiring of her daughter, Trixie Martinez, in the New York DOT office.
3. Unwarranted use of facilities (such as the coconut palace when it was under the DOT) and services by relatives and close associates in the guise of tourism related activities.
4. Position peddling in exchange for loyalty and other gratuities.
5. Undermining the higher authorities on the implementation of directives.
6. The use of official government vehicles for personal activities. It is rumored that 5 vehicles were assigned to this official. Yes 5. And not all have been returned as of this report.
With the temporary departure of Undersecretary Martinez, employees of the DOT are given a window to introspectively look into their own actions and performance. Those who have been identified closely with the corrupt official must do the same twice over and see whether they themselves would be subject to investigation. They may be more worried now as Undersecretary Martinez might spill the beans or much more just pass the buck to them in mounting her defense.
This would be worth watching, much like Secretary Alberto Lim is doing while smoking his pipe and wondering…Now who do I trust?
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The cost for launching Pilipinas Kay Ganda was small compared to what was stolen by past administrations! This is the latest statement from Secretary Alberto Lim of the Department of Tourism. He also passed “Total Responsibility” on the head of resigned Tourism Promotions Undersecretary Enteng Romano. I told him to slow down, he added.
All this despite the check which he signed last October 18 with vouchers fully attached describing the event and its components. Alberto Lim had total knowledge and even control of the Pilipinas Kay Ganda campaign because he was the one who instructed Enteng Romano to undertake studies for a new campaign to be launched. Several weeks before the actual launch and consequently after massive complaints were aired on all media, Alberto Lim continued to promote the logo and slogan which in fact was his baby. A tourism official who did not want to be identified said that the Secretary put pressure on Usec. Romano to produce something in time for the the Tour Operators event. Usec. Romano was just working under these instructions. Campaigns & Grey was also suggested by Secretary Lim as the Agency to call for assistance in the development of the new campaign.
Minimizing the wasting of millions of taxpayers money can never be accepted as an excuse by the general public one senatorial staff quipped after investigations were initiated on the high salaries of government officials. This administration makes it appear that being paid a high salary in government is a crime, but to waste a similar amount can just be written off like a corporate mistake. If Secretary Lim thinks this way, he will have a hard time being confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. Word has it that the legislative liaison office of the Department of Tourism has been working on the members of the powerful CA through constant negotiations with staffers of Commission. The LLO as it is known in the DOT makes sure that Congressmen and Senators are included in familiarization tours and provided other perks such as the exclusion from the payment of travel and airport taxes even when these officials are on private trip. This unit is directly under Theresa I. Martinez, the current righthand and strong arm of Alberto Lim.
According to Lim, there are certain limits to command responsibility. If I resign, then it goes all the way up to the President!
This kind of reasoning would have been appropriate in past administrations, but not in this one. Opinion makers have lauded Enteng Romano for his supreme sacrifice. Note the resignation only came after calls for Lim to resign were massively aired and improprieties like the involvement of family members in the production of the event arose. What adds insult to injury is that Alberto Lim has also lauded the resignation of Romano but at the same time has stated that investigations on the failed and botched launch will be initiated.
His dilly dallying and lying is obviously apparent to the general public and tourism stakeholders. Malacanang however has put a period on the fiasco and has left the matter to the powerful Commission on Appointments on whether to reject the appointment of the lying secretary! What gives?
No amount is too small when it comes to Public funds and their use! Every peso counts most specially if they are wantonly and inappropriately spent for wine and dine activities as held to launch the logo and campaign which lasted a week – thank god! Malacanang has to move on this to save its image. Otherwise, it losses moral leverage on much larger issues.
In TV and print interviews, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim has continued to deny any knowledge on the expenses incurred for Pilipinas Kay Ganda. Instead he has pointed to resigned Usec. Enteng Romano as fully responsible for the major debacle that has recently rocked the Aquino administration. In an interview with QTV, he feigned all knowledge of the expenses that where incurred and used his recent US trip as an excuse. Lack of knowledge and feigning knowledge cannot be used in this case as there is an approval process involved in government before funds are released for projects previously approved and screened by no less than the head of Agency or Department. All government employees know the concept of Complete Staff Work or CSW, where nothing is signed or moved upwards for decision until one is sure that he/she has done everything within government guidelines. Most DOT officials have been mum on the topic of Pilipinas Kay Ganda and refuse to comment on the approval process involved. One would ask if anyone at the DOT has the gumption to even help their beleaguered Secretary correct himself on his comments.
If one is to prepare a timeline on all the events surrounding the amateur thematic campaign Pilipinas Kay Ganda, it could be said that this is the “baby” of Secretary Lim and Enteng Romano was just the “implementor” in view of his position as DOT promotions Usec.
1. Secretary Lim was already negative about the previous WOW thematic campaign and Awesome tactical campaign when he assumed office as head of the DOT. He said that he would focus in concentrating on product development and that WOW as a word that defines the Philippines is an after thought of the Philippine experience. In effect he already wanted to change the message at the onset.
2. Secretary Lim, upon seeing the studies made by Campaigns and Grey instructed Usec. Enteng Romano to “take inspiration” from the Polska, Maldives and Espana logo.
3. Pilipinas Kay Ganda tagline was submitted by Campaigns & Grey based on the marketing data that the Agency was provided by Usec. Romano. This data shows that filipinos are still the most dominant “tourists” amongst the 3 Million foreign visitors to the Philippines. This marketing data is flawed because the DOT insists on recording filipinos residing abroad as tourists and count them as such. They also record foreigners who study and work here as tourists. So if I were an EXPAT and I go on a business trip to HK twice a year, everytime I come back to the Philippines, I am recorded as a tourist. The Agency used this data as a basis for using Tagalog.
3. The DOT wanted to stem the decline in visitor arrivals brought about by the loss of the HK and China markets. It was also affected by the negative tourist advisories.
4. Philippine Tourism Promotions Board (PTPB), formerly the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation (PCVC) the prime marketing arm of the DOT was defanged and basically relegated to a secondary sideline role because its COO is a GMA appointee.
5. Secretary Lim presented the Pilipinas Kay Ganda to President Aquino in a cabinet meeting where it was already received negatively.
6. It is true that some elements were the idea of Usec. Romano like using Manny Pacqiuao. It is also true that Usec. Romano fast tracked the launching of the logo despite warnings from the Agency, but these were instructions from Secretary Lim because he already liked the idea and saw it fit to be launched ASAP to placate tourism stakeholders he had been ignoring -The resorts, travel agencies, tour organizers and tourist transport industry who have been clamoring for clear cut tourism marketing direction and presence in the global market.
7. It is also true that the website was the responsibility of Usec Romano, but it was previewed and approved by Secretary Lim.
Secretary Alberto Lim knows about Pilipinas Kay Ganda! In fact he mentioned that one of the main reasons for the new campaign is: Bago kasi ang Presidente so dapat may bago din tayong ipakita. This came out on DZRH and other news outlets.
His PR Agency and Bloggers worked double time to promote the launch event which VP Binay graced and which in his speech (Alberto Lim) cited as the new direction that will bring the tourist back to the Philippines.
Based on the instances and events above, Secretary Alberto Lim cannot deny that money was already spent and ready to be spent. Unless he has some form of Amnesia, he signed the CHECK which only comes after a proposal is approved and vouchers are prepared and signed (a tedious and slow process).
His excuse that he didn’t know after the fact that millions were spent for Pilipinas Kay Ganda is a total lie! Continuing to deny knowledge after having pushed for the campaign and passing the buck totally to Romano is a measure of the character of Secretary Lim.
In the private sector and big corporations, a marketing mistake can usually be written off as a bad management decision. In government, it cannot just be written off because of government rules and regulations. If heads are to roll, it should not just be that of Romano who continuously covers for Secretary Alberto Lim or Lim’s Chief of Staff. It should be Lim himself not waiting to be axed, but graciously and irrevocably resigning for his failure and lies.
Here is the check signed October 18, 2010. Vouchers are always attached to checks that details its purpose.
He denies signing this check and approving the release of funds.
Malaysia Truly Asia has been constantly ringing in my mind ever since this stupid re-branding episode undertaken by the DOT to change a campaign that was not really doing bad, WOW Philippines. The secret behind creating recall is through repetition, yes with the root word being REPEAT and the practice thereof. Malaysia’s slogan has sunk in the mind of travelers because Malaysia massively supported this campaign in media and stayed with it for so many years. It has done them good in earning back their investment. Take note that they used English, because they were not talking to a Filipino market but to a much larger global market. 3 simple words, backed up by high quality Malaysian endorsing stars with global appeal like Michelle Yeoh and an appealing jingle built the brand up from nothing really to a destination that one wanted to explore. Regardless of whether it was urban Kuala Lumpur or their tropical islands, whether it was about eco-tourism or their tribal offers, in urban or rural settings, it was always Malaysia Truly Asia that was flaunted. The slogan stuck through all the elements that were fused together seamlessly to create and support one single compelling message for the traveler and the tourist alike…visit us and you see Asia.
WOW Philippines has the potential to compete with the Malaysian campaign as it had all the elements as well, except that it pails in execution compared to the Malaysian campaign. The initial commercials done by Guerrero BBDO which were dubbed “more than the usual” under the WOW Philippines campaign aimed to position the Philippine Brand in reply to the other Southeast Asian tourism campaigns…it positioned the Philippines as different! Exciting! WOW! These were aired in CNN and other channels worldwide which sparked renewed interest in the Philippines. When Richard Gordon left the DOT and transferred the reigns to Ace Durano, the latter explored other ways of enhancing the campaign by building the tourism promotion structure and putting a clear marketing foundation worldwide that would further promote the brand on ground with the WOW Philippines campaign. If we were really serious in promoting the Philippines, then we should have spent the 3.7 Million pesos used in launching this flawed and ill conceived campaign in buying airtime for the commercials that BBDO created. These were not dated and could be played again. Commercials could have been placed at TFC (The Filipino Channel) in the US considering that 30 seconds would have just been around $100. So doing the math, 3.7 Million pesos would be about $88,000 US, which would be translated to about 880 30 seconder spots that could have reached over a million Filipinos in the US alone. Note: DOT considers Filipinos living in the United States as Tourists and count them as such in arrival data! Another Flaw!
In other reports about the same topic, vouchers were released to show the breakdown of expenses and the signatories on the check. Note that in a previous report, a name of a corrupt DOT official was already mentioned. In the same photocopy of the documents, the signature of this official appears prominently beside that of Alberto Lim. After further looking into the documents, one can also note that it was paid to the PTPB or the Philippine Tourism Promotions Board formerly PCVC, a GOCC or Government Owned and Controlled Corporation that is tasked to market and promote the Philippines globally. Indeed Campaigns and Grey could claim that they had no contract with the DOT because DOT transferred the funds to PTPB and just maybe PTPB would be paying them. The documents as photocopied and can be seen in this link http://www.ellentordesillas.com/?p=13990 . And having reviewed the entries, it would be similar to a line-by-line breakdown that is usually submitted by Advertising agencies to their clients for events and campaigns. This needs to be followed if one is to get to the bottom of this mess. Why and how was Campaigns & Grey chosen? Was there any bidding conducted? Was there a shortlist? Who were the Agencies invited? Or was this just payback for the involvement of the same agency in the presidential campaign of PNOY? An ill conceived campaign coupled with a questionable transaction as this should be investigated.
Having listened to the excuses of the bumbling DOT Secretary in an interview with DZRH by Ruth Abao, he answered when queried on why they where changing the campaign: his reply not verbatim but the context of which says, “Since bago ang pangulo dapat bago din yung campaign”…in so many words. One brings to question now if we have the right person for the job. This is his 2nd mistake, the first one was his comments and inaction in the aftermath of the Manila Hostage Taking Incident. How many more excuses will be coming our way.
Lastly, as the adage goes: If it ain’t broke, why fix it?
In a move that was contrary to all that PNOY promised during the elections, he promoted one of the most corrupt officials in the Department of Tourism (DOT). Past administrations, yes, administrations had been aware of the activities of this long time official who is a CESO and a protégé of former Secretary Narzalina Lim.
What are the sins of this DOT official to garner such attention from the press? Well as sources put it, the list is long – from position peddling, gross abuse of authority, nepotism and misuse of public funds. During the time of Mina Gabor, she used to pressure Tourism attaches to invite her, in the guise of conducting inspections and needs assessment tours in their respective posts where she would shop for gifts at the most expensive places like Harrod’s. Another would be endearing herself to Congressmen by including them in familiarization tours to gain favor from them for personal gain. She would also threaten the line personnel as all position promotions passed her desk. During the term of Gemma Araneta she single handedly put a stranglehold on plans and programs that were being developed as she held sway over the Legislative Liaison Office and Administrative Services that included the legal division and management of the Coconut Palace. Her trips continued to London and other European posts by insinuating to the Attaches her power of having them retained in their posts as at that time Araneta had been conducting a recall and alignment of the attaches assignments to the DFA rotation model. When Richard Gordon took over, she was not able to position herself as Araneta had been able to conduct a transition despite the political environment. It was at this time that she became a “frozen delight” – an official enjoying the perks of her position but without any direct function. Gordon was briefed on her specifically and she was iced so to speak with Armand Areza looking over her every move. But her power still held weight as she was able to have her daughter hired in a foreign DOT office in the United States as a local hire. She may have had the goods on this attaché to be able to do this. The total insult however came during the term of Durano where again, the outgoing and incoming secretaries were able to exchange notes. Durano retained the staff of Gordon and added some more of his to institute a dynamic change in the DOT. This ASEC as she is called was fully in the back burner for 10 years. But still she could not be removed as she endeared herself to a powerful Drug Lord turned public official from Pampanga who protected her from the ax. The lull and dullness of this period gave her time to scheme and plot for the future.
I was told that during this transition, PNOY told Durano that he was going to retain him for his sterling performance in increasing tourism arrivals to the country. So there was a feeling of continuity. But as politics would have it, another person with much less credentials (even has a pending case or had a pending case that was tourism in nature) took the job – Albert Lim. Let’s see… Narzalina Lim and Bert Lim…are they related?
In anycase, a transition meeting was supposed to be held between Durano and Lim, but at the last minute, the latter excused himself feigning a lack of schedule…or lack of interest as he had already been briefed by the ASEC. As soon as the first order of PNOY came out firing co-terminus employees. This ASEC presented all the personnel to Bert Lim where they were fired instantly with her standing at the back smiling. These included personnel who were in the Department for 15 years and should have been given permanent ones that were unfortunately unavailable or unavailable to those who were not loyal to the ASEC.
PNOY being the President would not be able to look over the entire operations of the Executive Branch of government. That is left to the Executive Secretary and Department Secretaries. Being so, they should be more prudent and circumspect in their appointments of crucial officials by looking into the background of these people. Word has it that this ASEC has a mansion and wide swaths of land in Batangas. Now, how could she possibly amass that with her salary at the DOT?
While the ASEC is a CESO, it does not preclude her from the life style check and a morality check before promotions are signed and handed to so called deserving CESOs. Let’s all be reminded that some of the most corrupt officials in government are armed with this lofty title and do their bidding under its protection.
Why reward corrupt officials or those whose reputations are tarnished with instant promotions even after the slogan – Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap has already been made official and clear as the operational guideline of this government? PALAKASAN PA RIN BA as some DOT personnel put it. WALA RIN PAGBABAGO, they quipped.
There is only one (1) Assistant Secretary (ASEC) position in the DOT and she has just claimed the order for her promotion to Undersecretary has been signed and released in and from the Palace. Good lord, save the people in the DOT and save our tourism Philippine industry.
Recent news reports by Panlilio led Boulevard Holdings Inc. indicated ownership of the property where Friday’s Boracay Beach Resort is partly located. This, as the cases concerning land ownership was stopped by the Court of Appeals in December 10 of 2014 where the higher court found evidence that warranted a retrial of the decision handed down by Makati RTC branch 132. The regional trial court had ordered a writ of execution in favor of BHI, but was stopped by the Court of Appeals order as it prejudiced the rights of land owner Mila Sumndad.
San Lorenzo Village Monitor 