The president of Tarsier Arrastre Stevedoring Services Inc. has strongly denied allegations linking him to the family of Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, dismissing claims that he is married to the governor’s sister.
The executive issued a statement condemning information circulated by Willy Ramasola, clarifying that he has no blood or marriage relations to Governor Aumentado, his wife, or siblings.
While acknowledging a long-standing acquaintance with Governor Aris Aumentado and Congresswoman Vanessa Aumentado predating their public service careers, the official pointed out that neither politician holds any business interest in Tarsier Arrastre Stevedoring Services Inc.
The company was awarded a multi-billion peso Port Management Contract for interconnected ports in Jagna, Tapal Ubay, Talibon, and Getafe in December 2023.
The executive characterized the circulation of such information as a deliberate attempt to create intrigue and damage both government officials’ integrity and his personal and professional reputation.
Ramasola immediately responded to the company’s statement via social media, calling it riddled with “numerous errors” and contradictions.
He pointed to inconsistencies in the statement, noting the use of “Authority” instead of “Philippine Ports Authority” and confusion over company names, claiming the firm represented by “Sir Victor” is Animas Bros. Stevedoring, not Tarsier Stevedoring.
Ramasola also questioned why the statement used AT Services Corporation letterhead, calling the situation “very confusing.”
He criticized the defensive tone of the statement, arguing the president was addressing allegations that had not actually been made.
Ramasola suggested the statement was hastily released to kill the issue, particularly as multiple media outlets were reportedly waiting to cover the story.
Ramasola has raised questions about possible connections between Congresswoman Vanessa “Vanvan” Aumentado and businessman Marlito Uy as potential board members of Tarsier Arrastre Stevedoring Services Inc, which has operated arrastre services at ports in Talibon, Ubay, Tapal, Jagna, and Getafe since December 2023.
The allegations include potential conflicts of interest regarding Congresswoman Aumentado’s possible shareholdings in the company, which could violate legal restrictions.
Ramasola also linked the issue to the delayed opening of SM mall in Bohol, noting Uy’s ownership of major retail chains including Alturas, ICM, and Marcela.
The critic suggested that if the Aumentado-connected company provides arrastre services at Talibon and other ports, Governor Aris Aumentado may be limited in addressing difficulties faced by cargo customers and passengers.
Ramasola warned that if port services remain expensive, the public will know who is profiting excessively from the operations.