PHIVIDEC Administrator Atty. Joseph Bernedo confirmed today that he, along with two former administrators, will attend a congressional hearing on Friday, September 27.
The hearing, led by the quadcommittee, will investigate the alleged involvement of the Philippine-Sanjia Steel Corporation, located in the Phividec area in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, and the alleged Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) operations at Alwana, Cugman in Cagayan de Oro.
“We received the official invitation via email this morning (September 24), so Phividec will obviously attend,” Bernedo said, adding that they have prepared all necessary documents for the hearing.
Former Phividec administrators Franklin Quijano and Jose Gabrielle La Viña have also been invited to the session. La Viña had expressed his willingness to cooperate with the inquiry in an interview last week.
Bernedo called on the media to remain fair when reporting on Phividec, emphasizing that during his tenure, his focus has been on promoting development in the estate.
“A lot has been said about Phividec, but we’ve worked hard to attract investors and locators,” he said.
He underscored that Phividec is a key government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) contributing revenue to both national and provincial governments.
Bernedo also pointed out that Sanjia is a registered locator, and urged for an objective approach in addressing the issue of its alleged Pogo connections.
“We are a very professional organization. So, please be kind to the organization,” he said.
Phividec is also conducting its own investigation into the matter, Bernedo added.
