BACOLOD CITY — In yesterday’s issue, at the bottom of this column, there was a letter to the editor by Dennis Jalbuena. Dennis asked if it’s true that what was published in the news that the 10.12 kilometers Silay-Bacolod road costs P1.5 billion.

This costs, Dennis said, something like P148,221.34 per kilometer. He asked, is this not an overprice? I echo Mr. Jalbuena’s question, “Is this not an overprice?”

We ask our two Congressmen, Monico Puentevella of Bacolod and Kako Lacson of Silay to ask for an inquiry. Those DPWH people in the 4th District were dismissed by the Ombudsman, I understand, on the complaint of then Congressman Charlie Cojuangco.

And private groups must raise the question with the Commission on Audit which is earning the respect of the public now. Then we raise it also to the Ombudsman in the Visayas, Pelagio Apostol. When Ombudsman Apostol was in Bacolod, he was quoted to have said, “Corrupt officials are worse than criminals.”

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Both Congressmen Puentevella and Lacson are finishing their term. This will be the best legacy they can leave, a road built without question.

Years ago when the Bacolod airport was built, there was complaint of overpricing. Graftwatch under Pat Tan went to the airport and dug the depth of the cement outlay. It did not meet specification.

A complaint was filed. But nothing happened. There were so many overpriced projects. People have awakened now and cases are filed, even if it takes time, they will be acted on.

I was listening yesterday to my friend, Vic Mercado of “Mercado Publico” over DYRL saying, dishonest people are found in high positions wearing coats, riding on flashy cars. There are more honest people among the poor, he said. Take a bow, Jack Sancho!

Vic and his “distant cousin” in Cebu, Johnny Mercado, a hard hitting syndicated columnist, are both crusaders. Johnny’s favorite piece these days is our friend Newks Puentevella’s “right to reply bill.”

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Many told me yesterday it was good that I told Monico to hit his enemies in media, not just lump them together. Hit them individually and he does not have to be afraid, especially if he does it with some wit and humor not with anger. Make fun of your tormentors, Newks.

His fight with Bing is done through some witty retorts. Which makes it more interesting.

Sunshine Boys chairman Ricardo Yanson called me up yesterday. Monico complained to him about Sunshine Channel. Yanson told him we sit down, three of us. And I like it that way. For a long time we have offered him a program himself. We even offered Franklin Villanueva if he wants to have a program at Sunshine as long as he submits himself to the rules of Sky Cable and our station.

We have always made it plain Sunshine Channel is in business and has no political affiliation.

I look forward to sitting down with Ric and Monico. I will write here what were taken up. And I will discuss it over Sunshine, too.

I just want to reiterate I am happy Monico preferred to take this step. Tell people of your complaints, Newks. If you can’t agree hit them. Of course, don’t expect them to just fold their arms.

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Toti Ramos testified yesterday at the Senate hearing on the cooperatives problem of being taxed by BIR.

The stand of Toti is simple, adopting the stand of Senator Mar Roxas that cooperatives are exempt from taxes.

But the battle ground here is the legislature. The Senate can make it clear and erase any doubt that cooperatives are exempt.

The Senate can also make clear what kind of cooperatives are exempt.

I am happy with the feedback on that Senate hearing. I was told everybody was very proud of two Ilonggo Senators Mar Roxas and Migz Zubiri. And Sen. Francis Escudero, too. They really put BIR Director Rodita Galanto in the corner. And these Senators were very prepared and very knowledgeable on the cooperatives law. The coops will go to court for a temporary restraining order.

Zubiri was reported to have asked Galanto, “Why pick on the sugar industry and not on pineapple?”

We will hear more when I get the summary of what were taken up in the hearing.

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