I was not completely satisfied with the answers given during the interview of PACF (Philippine Australian Community Foundation) directors, particularly on the target completion date of the MPC. The “live” webcam interview happened on September 14, 2011. It was attended by Luz Tiqui, Mansueto Villon, Ric de Vera, Remigio Biala, Ed Yunon, Larry Muldong, and Minerva Santos.
It was supposed to be a “no-holds-barred” interview but just like Clottey’s bout with Manny Pacquiao, they merely parried the blows with an open-ended answer. Nobody was really able to answer my question. I believe that they should have a target completion date— something realistic and attainable. Thus, with a goal and a specific target amount, they should be guided by how much more effort they must exert, or how much more money is needed to complete the task.
As it is, they are just groping in the dark, not knowing what to do or where to go. There is no solid planning.
Unfortunately, I did not hear their answer to my final question which is really in pursuit of more transparency. The PACF or PACC or MPC should be able to furnish a periodic budget or schedule of expenses vis-a-vis donations received. There should be enough detail on how much is budgeted for electricity and other utilities to maintain the house in Schofields. The expense budget should also indicate how much money is being spent to service the loan (monthly amortization and interest payments) plus all other expenses.
Remigio Biala said that he was being charged by the newspaper. I hope he was not referring to Sentinel, because he never approached me. I will not charge them anything provided the report is an article but subject to editorial prerogative. Any type of advertisement must be paid for.
Finally, the Filipino community, especially the donors and those who bought tickets, expect a detailed financial report after the Pops Fernandez Concert—total revenues less expenses, equals net income before taxes.
If Biala is a member of the board or is closely associated with PACF, he should have no business being the PACF External Auditor. That is conflict of interest! External audit should be done by an uninterested party.