By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Criminal and administrative complaints have been filed with the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas against several executives of the Land Bank of the Philippines for allegedly sabotaging the release of a multimillion-peso loan intended for a port construction project in northern Negros.
Atty. Rey Gorgonio, representing Manapla Port Management, Stevedoring and Arrastre Corporation (MPSA) executives Alfredo Luis Sarrosa and Carlito D. Jimena, announced the charges in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The complaint includes alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act 3019), false testimony in civil cases under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code, and conduct prejudicial to the best interests of public service.
The case was filed against:
-Ma. Luisa M. Chiu, assistant vice president and head of Negros Occidental North Lending Center
-Renato S. Brillantes, certified public accountant, Landbank Central Visayas
-Francisco Jubelag, loan officer, Landbank
Gorgonio said the case, filed on March 5, 2025, stems from alleged abuses committed by the officials regarding the Notice of Loan Approval (NOLA) granted to MPSA on Oct. 23, 2023.
“The P180-million loan application of MPSA was already approved by Landbank’s loan approving group,” Gorgonio said.
He added that his clients complied with all the requirements and were informed of the loan approval.
“However, the release of the loan was sabotaged by the aforementioned officers,” he alleged.
When asked if the complainants are seeking financial compensation, Gorgonio replied, “All we want is justice.”
The Manapla Port is expected to play a crucial role in economic progress in Negros Occidental.
The port will connect the new maritime route from Panay (Ajuy and Concepcion ports) to Negros (Manapla Port), improving trade and transport links in the region.
Maritime transport boosts international trade, enhances tourism, and generates local employment opportunities.
According to MPSA, the port project will create livelihood programs by providing jobs, business opportunities, and economic support to local communities.
Additionally, the development of cargo logistics facilities, warehouse infrastructure, and port operations will expand employment opportunities for the domestic workforce.
The project is also expected to boost agriculture, food supply chains, and tourism, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
A Yacht Club is part of the plan to attract boaters and tourists from different parts of the country.
Meanwhile, the proposed Export Processing Zone aims to attract foreign direct investments, increase exports, and create more jobs in Negros Occidental and neighboring regions.
Demand for housing and transportation is also projected to rise as a result of the port’s development.
“In summary, MPSA is not just a livelihood initiative but a legacy project for national development,” Gorgonio said.
He accused the Landbank officials of frustrating a major economic recovery project by preventing the loan release.
Despite the financial setback, Sarrosa said they remain committed to keeping the port operational, as it is a vital infrastructure for economic growth in northern Negros.
He noted that their firm has already invested more than PHP60 million as equity for the loan.
When reporters sought Landbank’s comment at its Bacolod office, a security guard said Chiu was on leave, and no official was available to respond.
