NOONG Oktubre 29, 2008, nailathala natin ang reklamo ng mga nagpakilalang kawani ng National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) tungkol sa umano’y P2.2 milyong “junket” sa Europa ng isang delegasyong pinangungunahan ni NAMRIA Chief Diony Ventura. Binibigyan natin ng puwang si USEC Ventura para sa kanyang paliwanag sa isyung ito. Hindi na natin isinalin sa Filipino ang sulat na nasa wikang Inggles:
Dear Al,
This pertains to your article entitled “Ang junket sa gobyerno” which appeared in Pilipino Star Ngayon on 29 October 2008.
Allow me to clarify that the alleged junket of NAMRIA officials to Europe is actually a working visit to the Institut Cartografic de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain, our counterpart agency in Barcelona. The travel is duly authorized by DENR Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. on the part of the NAMRIA delegation, and the DBM Secretary Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. on the part of the DBM delegation.
The travel was sponsored by the host organization and did not entail any expense on the part of the Philippine government. The alleged PhP2.2 million cash advance by the NAMRIA cashier is intended for the operating expen-ses of the Extended Continental Shelf Project and never for use in the travel to Spain. Upon learning of the allegation through a radio broadcast on 28 Oct. 2008, Mr. Roberto Factora, COA Auditor, immediately conducted a cash audit through Mr. Petronilo DEL MUNDO, Auditor III, and found that the whole amount is accounted for and under the custody of the cashier. The cash audit was conducted while I was still out of the country.
Further, Director Efren CARANDANG and Auditor Roberto FACTORA are not part of the delegation and did not travel to Spain or else-where. I can only speculate that the list of delegates and alleged travel expenses provided to you are manufactured to sow intrigue and divisiveness at NAMRIA.
I will be thankful if this clarification will find space in your prestigious column.
Very truly yours,
USEC DIONY A. VENTURA, MNSA
Administrator