By Eva C Visperas

 

AT the posh Monarch Hotel where the press briefing for the Limgas na Dayat 2023 was held on March 26 with 25 lovely candidates vying for the coveted title, I, together with some media friends, had the privilege to interview Pangasinan First Lady Maan Tuazon-Guico, and hubby, Gov. Monmon Guico and Vice Gov. Mark Lambino, who was also with his wife, Atty. Lanie Lambino.

We were about to take our early dinner after the Q&A with the aspirants for the selection of the Miss Photogenic and Darling of the Press., so mind you, it was not a scheduled interview.

First, I give credit to Madam Maan for spearheading the Limgas search.  She’s endowed with such grace, beauty and brains.

Over dinner, we were having a small talk with the governor and vice gov until I asked permission if we could record the gov’s thoughts since these involved his official duties, and gladly said, “yes”.  It was like having a pre-State of the Province Address briefing.

But first, he had to ask: Why is my paper “attacking” him, particularly in the Punchline column?  I assured him this paper is open to anyone, to him especially, for his reactions and his thoughts.

Then, I asked him, “What’s with the P6-billion loan? (I was referring to the loan agreement with the Land Bank of the Philippines for infra projects under Guico’s admin which the provincial board, without any opposition, easily and quickly passed).

 “Maski P11-billion pa nga pwede at gustong ibigay ng Land Bank kasi alam nilang kayang bayaran ng probinsya,” he said. “Kasi nakakatakot yung P6-B, parang lubog na sa utang ang Pangasinan,” I said. “No, no, no. The P6-B is all for economic enterprise. Ibig sabihin mamumuhunan ka, may balik palagi yan,” he said, adding “unlike the past administration that sought a loan na pambili ng ayuda which was disapproved. Mali yun,”

He said the loan is meant to cover the construction of a hotel, the expressway and other infra projects, and township development, like the housing project in line with President Marcos’ nationwide housing agenda.

“Why no questions, no opposition from the provincial board?” I asked. He pointed out that even only four candidates in his team won as board members, there is unity in the SP because they see the wisdom in his projects.

He admitted there were questions initially but on the day the resolution authorizing him to enter into that controversial P6-B-loan, believe it or not, walang kumontra maski isa. Ang galing, di ba?

The vice gov clarified that the SP’s full support to Guico is based on their belief that if it’s for the good of the people and the province, they should be united.

Then the gov allayed fears of Pangasinenses saying “standby fund lang yan”. Which means, if they can find other sources to finance any of the projects enumerated in the loan, they will maximize the help they can from the national government and others, first

Then, the vice gov added. “The fund is for immediate capitalization only,” So, mga Marites, expect may malaking proyektong gagawin in the next few weeks, without using the P6B-fund daw.

The gov explained further. “Assuming na gagamitin na yung P6-B plus yung loan ng previous admin at babayaran ang interest at principal, meron pa rin tira na mga P700M to P1.2-B ngayon na pera na pwedeng gamitin for development projects!”  

Hold it, the naughty Yoly of the Inquirer asked: “Everybody happy ba? The gov swore “Walang ganun.”. True or false? Bahala kayong mag-isip!

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments