MORE NEWS, PAMPANGA

Executive disputes solon on mismanagement of Clark
By George Trillo

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — Levy P. Laus, president and chief executive officer of Clark Development Corp. said here he suspected a "demolition job" designed to discredit his performance. Laus noted reports and allegations that the corporation has entered into questionable contracts with businessmen, particularly some Korean investors.

Laus said that all contracts entered into by CDC with foreign and local locators in the freeport are "above board" and approved by the directors of the corporation. Rep. Carmelo Lazatin (first district, Pampanga) said in a separate interview here last Feb. 27 that he will initiate a congressional inquiry on what he described as "questionable contracts," which CDC had entered into under the administration of Laus.

Lazatin cited in particular what he called as an apparent "reversed racism" which favors Korean investors at this freeport "at the expense of Filipino entrepreneurs."

Laus did not comment on Lazatin’s announced plan to initiate a congressional inquiry on his performance. Laus said that he was puzzled over the identity or motive of any individual or group criticizing his administration.

Congressman Lazatin was quoted in newspaper reports that Laus and his "select group have entered questionable contracts with Korean investors." CDC, Lazatin said, is leasing more than 346 hectares of land in the freeport to Focus Co., a Korean firm, for only R1.40 per square meter. But CDC said, "it (CDC) has increased the lease rate to levels at par with the other investors which are higher."

Laus said that CDC records show that the lease rate charged to the Korean firm was 100 percent higher than the rate last year. The lease contract with the firm was for a period of 50 years, a term which other investors had failed to offer.

At the same time, Laus denied reports that he was going against the plan of the President, particularly her grand plan to develop a megalogistics hub and services in the Clark aviation complex.

Lazatin also accused Laus of alleged on-line gambling operations by some Clark locators which are supposed to operate as information technology (IT) firms.

Laus said he has ordered an investigation of the accusation, including charges of big-time gambling operations at the two carnival sites, Disco Hurricane and Boom na Boom, located near the main Clark gate. Laus said he will never allow illegal gambling operation in this freeport.