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LLDA chief's absence in Senate hearing irks Alan Peter Cayetano


Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday slammed Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) acting general manager Senando Santiago for skipping the hearing of the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises.

“Unfortunately, I have to make a stand this morning because ang inyong GM, hindi ko na nga sinita na hindi siya marunong mag-courtesy call eh tatawag s’ya nang late last night at sasabihin niyang hindi s'ya pwede,” Cayetano told LLDA officials present during the hearing.

(Unfortunately, I have to make a stand this morning because your GM called last night to say he can't make it. I even ignored the fact that he did not know how to pay a courtesy call.)

“I don't like what your GM has done today. The basis of relationship is respect. So kung wala siyang respeto sa committee na ito, wala rin akong respeto sa kanya, 'di ba (if he doesn't respect this committee then I don't respect him, right)?” a visibly irate Cayetano added.

He explained that Senate committees send notices at least three days ahead of the scheduled hearing so the invited resource persons will have enough time to communicate.

LLDA officials who were present at the hearing were not able to respond to Cayetano as he immediately ended the deliberations.

“This is the first meeting. He has never shown his face here, ‘di ba? So I will not proceed with this hearing, I will suspend,” Cayetano said.

In a statement, Santiago's executive assistant, Mau Tolentino said the LLDA chief was in Calauan, Laguna for a meeting with the mayors.  Santiago also had concurrent meeting with three floating solar proponents which was scheduled two weeks ago.

In his place, Santiago instructed representatives from the agency to attend the Senate public hearing.  

The statement also said the LLDA will submit the position paper being requested by the panel.

In a press conference, Cayetano explained the need for the briefing with the LLDA given that the new administration has installed a new general manager.

“Alam naman natin na bago ang administrasyon, bagong GM, 'yan ang nagda-drumbeat, 'yan ang nagdi-dictate kung anong plano (We all know that there is a new administration, ae new GM. The GM dictates the agency's plans),” Cayetano said.

After the briefing, Cayetano said they would have figured out the needs of the LLDA, specifically related to its charter. He also mentioned that several fishermen were present to raise their issues with the agency.

“It goes down that this person does not know the definition of respect. I will continue to respect him but he has to learn how to respect the institution,” he said of Santiago.

If Santiago will not ask for a new hearing, Cayetano said he will face him during the budget deliberations. —KBK, GMA Integrated News