Byron to Cris Saavedra: “Prove you’re no carpet bagger”

Capitol security consultant Byron Garcia has challenged self-styled anti-graft crusader and the governor’s long time critic Crisologo Saavedra to prove to the people that he is a legitimate businessman and not a mere “carpet bagger” that rides on every opportunity to make money from the government.

Garcia said Saavedra has made several attempts to corner government transactions and on those occasions he represented different companies.

Garcia said that when Saavedra participated in the bidding at the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority for the rejuvenation of the runway, the latter introduced himself as representative of Echelon Industries.

However, when Saavedra again joined the bidding for the supply of the controversial surveillance camera during the 12th ASEAN Summit, he was already representing Cebesus.

Garcia added that while Saavedra claimed to be a representative of Cebesus for the spy camera he was allegedly bringing another company when he joined the bidding for the supply of the decorative lampposts.

Lately Saavedra reportedly introduced an LRT project for Cebu wherein he already claimed to be partner of AMA.

“Unsa man gyoy tinuod ani? Hain man gyod ang iyang korporasyon aron matawag siya og businessman?” Garcia asked.

Garcia said that the only business he knew of that is owned by Saavedra is the latter’s parlor at SM City.

“Prove to Capitol that you are not a carpet bagger nga bisan asa na lang ka mosakay. If you cannot prove it, mas maayo pa mag-model na lang ka sa imong parlor kay daghang opaw dinhi sa Sugbu,” Garcia said.

Saavedra has been a long time critic of the provincial government. He served as whistleblower in the alleged anomalies of the projects during the ASEAN summit. — Fred P. Languido/MEEV