Calimlim faces graft raps

OLONGAPO CITY Vendors and market stall holders are set to file graft charges against Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Director Jose Calimlim before the Office of the Ombudsman for his failure to account for the losses incurred by the Freeport Services Corp. and the earnings from the stalls at the Subic night market.

Calimlim, who heads the FSC that operates the controversial night market in the Freeport, is being accused of not marking full disclosure of the funds from the stall rentals. This after the retired general repeatedly claimed that the FSC is bankrupt.

“Where has the income from the night market gone? FSC has been putting up and operating a night market every Christmas season for nine years now. It also operates a gas station and last summer, FSC opened a wet market at the heart of the Freeport. Calimlim should be made accountable on why FSC is in financial trouble,” said Anita Sapno, president of the City Public Market Stall Owners Association.

Calimlim said the the proceeds of the yearly night market” go to the salary of the FSC personnel.” In a recent board meeting, however, SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza also expressed concern over the matter and suggested that the financial position of the FSC be looked into to sess why the company continues to incur losses despite the subsidy given by SBMA.

Allegations of corruption against the retired general who holds several key positions in SBMA, which include being Subic Anti-Smuggling Task Force chief, stemmed from Calimlim’s insistence to put up another night market this year despite stern opposition from the Olongapo vendors.

The City Regional Trial Court later stepped in and issued a temporary restraining order enjoining FSC from pushing with the scheduled opening of the night market. However, Calimlim defied the court order and proceeded with the event. He is currently facing contempt charges from the sala of RTC Judge Josefina Farrales.

People’s Journal