The Center for Government Accountability and Review (CGAR) remains active and will conduct a thorough investigation into the sale of 70% of Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) shares to Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI), former Tagbilaran City mayor Dan Neri Lim said.
In an interview on “Newsmakers Ug Uban Pa” over station DYTR, Lim revealed that despite hostility of the Capitol, CGAR continues to meet and discuss issues, including the BLCI share sale.
The group will push for good governance, even if provincial government officials and offices are giving them the cold shoulder.
CGAR had previously asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to review the transaction, including the decision to decline Salcon Power Corporation’s (SPC) offer to buy back the shares.
However, SPC and PHI announced that the share sale had been consummated, catching many off guard.
Lim expressed surprise at the haste with which the sale was conducted, fueling doubts among the public.
CGAR’s executive director, lawyer Kurt Bongabong, also questioned the speed of the transaction, saying it seemed to have been fast-tracked.
Bongabong had expected SPC to follow the process stipulated in the joint venture agreement (JVA), including obtaining a written agreement from the provincial government to sell its stake in BLCI.
Lim believes that SPC and PHI may not have followed the terms of the JVA.
During the interview, Lim mentioned Argeo Melissimo, the provincial government board representative in the BLCI board, as allegedly working to make the transaction appear above board.
However, Lim doubts that Governor Aris Aumentado was involved, citing the governor’s limited knowledge of the JVA.
CGAR has written to Vice-Governor Tita Baja and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, expressing concerns about the possible violation of the JVA.
The group noted that the provincial government had not provided written approval for the sale of the 70% share in BLCI.
CGAR argued that the sale of the shares without prior written approval from the provincial government constitutes a breach of the JVA, which could lead to its termination.
The group warned that it may file necessary complaints if the public is affected by the actions of provincial government officials.
The letter was signed by CGAR chairman Leoncio Evasco, vice-chairman Dan Neri Lim, and members Suceso Arcamo and Macario Delusa.
However, member Emmanuel “Willy” Ramasola did not sign the letter.
CGAR’s investigation into the BLCI share sale is ongoing, with the group seeking to uncover the truth behind the transaction and ensure that the public interest is protected, ex-Mayor Lim said.