Amid questions on the legality of its joint venture contract, DoubleDragon Properties Corporation stood firm on its partnership with the Iloilo City Government for the construction, development and operation of the P135-million Parola Ferry Terminal Project.

Dr. Florentino Alerta, corporate communication manager of DoubleDragon and also of One Eleven Property Management said they have followed the legalities set by the City Government.

“The DoubleDragon Properties has already complied legally with all the requirements of the City Government,” he said in an interview during the opening of DoubleDragon Properties Corporation showroom at Injap Building in City Proper district Saturday.

Alerta said that DoubleDragon, which was formerly known as Injap Corp. is just waiting for the construction to start amid contradictions from some parties.

After its groundbreaking last month, former Provincial Administrator and this paper’s executive editor Manuel Boy Mejorada has urged the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas to conduct a fact-finding investigation on said public private partnership.

Mejorada said the city government should have adhered to the procedures laid down under the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (RIRR) for Republic Act No. 6957 as amended by Republic Act No. 7718 and not on Ordinance No. 2012-213.

On the other hand, Atty. Junio Jacela of the Iloilo City Legal Office representing the City Government said the contract’s legality for the ferry terminal project was also based on Article 66 (Joint venture and cooperative program or undertakings) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Local Code of 1991.

It stated that Local Government Units (LGUs) may enter into joint ventures and such other cooperative arrangements with people’s organizations, NGOs or the private sector, to engage in the delivery of certain basic services, capability-building and livelihood projects, develop local enterprises designed to improve productivity and income; diversify agriculture, spur rural industrialization, promote ecological balance, and enhance the economic and social well-being of the people.

WIN-WIN SITUATION?

Mejorada alleged that the said partnership is anchored with personal interest since City Mayor Jed Mabilog and Edgar Sia II of DoubleDragon are business partners.

“Sia was the founder of the Mang Inasal fast food chain, and Mayor Mabilog owns four restaurant outlets through the Pan Pacific Food Services Corp. in which he is the 95 percent stockholder/owner,” Mejorada cited.

He said that because of this, the transaction must be scrutinized for violations of Republic Act No.3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees Act.

However, Alerta clarified that the said project is a “win-win situation for both the city government and the DoubleDragon.”

“We are just an investor willing to help the city. And at the same time helping to get more investments for the city,” he added.

He noted that the city will surely have its return of investment in due time. 

“It will be earning more money for the city. It will create jobs. It will create opportunities, and at the same time it will also create taxes,” he added.*