DOTC chief hits rehashed charges

Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) lamented the "almost endless rehashing" of old charges against him as the Commission on Appointments held yesterday its fifth confirmation hearing on his appointment.

In yesterday’s hearing, presided over by Quezon Rep. Rafael Nantes, eight parties against his appointment charged that Alvarez greatly influenced the award of the NAIA Terminal 3 contract to the Philippine International Air Transport Co. (PIATCO) and of a P200-million sub-contract to Wintrack, a family owned enterprise.

At Malacañang, acting Press Secretary Silvestre Afable said President Arroyo remains supportive of her DOTC secretary but in the long run this would depend on the seriousness of the graft allegations against him.

The critics again told members of the bicameral body that Alvarez, as assistant general manager of NAIA and chairman of the NAIA technical working group, as vice chairman of the House committee on transportation and communications, and as DOTC official, was instrumental in finalizing the contract with PIATCO that is allegedly grossly disadvantageous to the government.

Alvarez said that the technical working group could only make recommendations and that decision making is lodged in higher offices.– Efren Danao, Marichu Villanueva