By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has confirmed that it has yet to finalize the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government of Dumangas, Iloilo, regarding the revenue-sharing percentage for the operations of Dumangas Port.
“Once the MOA is finalized, it will be made public for transparency and accountability purposes,” the PPA said in a statement issued over the weekend.
The PPA added that it is in coordination with the local government of Dumangas, lloilo, in the operations and activities of the Dumangas Port.
“Over the years, PPA has proven its credibility as an ally of the government in pushing for transparency, good fiscal management, and efficient operations of Port Management Offices nationwide,” it added.
The PPA’s statement comes after demoted police official Charlie Sustento Jr. alleged that over P63 million in PPA shares from 2022 to 2024 had not been turned over by the local government.
Sustento claimed that the said revenue had gone missing under the administration of Mayor Braeden John “BJ” Biron.
However, Biron dismissed Sustento’s allegations, emphasizing that there is no basis for the 35/65 percent income-sharing from Dumangas Port, as the MOA has yet to be signed.
“No funds have been lost. Under my leadership, the municipality strictly adheres to the principles of transparency and accountability,” Biron said in a statement on Friday, August 9.
The mayor also noted that the local government’s financial records are open for public review. Biron explained that the share of the PPA and Dumangas is outlined in the MOA, which is still pending with the PPA for signing and implementation.
He further emphasized that the Sangguniang Bayan had passed a resolution authorizing him to sign the MOA, but the document remains unsigned.
Biron clarified that based on Commission on Audit rules and regulations, a government agency can only release funds if there is a legal basis.
Since the MOA has not yet been signed, the mayor highlighted that there is no basis for the 35/65 percent income-sharing from the Dumangas Port.
He also confirmed that the PPA’s 35 percent share, estimated to be less than P63 million, will be released by the local government once the MOA is finalized.
Biron urged the public to be cautious of misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
“With elections approaching, some may attempt to tarnish their political opponents’ reputations without basis,” he said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
Sustento recently resigned from the Philippine National Police (PNP) after being demoted by the Court of Appeals following an administrative case filed against him for mauling an employee of a motorcycle dealership in Dumangas, Iloilo.
Initially dismissed from service by the Ombudsman, Sustento appealed to the Court of Appeals, which upheld the Ombudsman’s decision but modified the punishment from dismissal to demotion from police major to police captain.
Sustento is purportedly planning to run as a representative of Iloilo’s fourth district, the bailiwick of the Biron family.
Fourth district Rep. Ferjenel “Dr. Ferj” Biron, Mayor BJ Biron’s father, is considering running for reelection in the 2025 midterm elections.
