A FORMER partner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seeking payment of P15.3 million payment from the poll body over the aborted “PiliPinas Debates 2022” project prior to the May 2022 polls.
In a two-page “Notice of Demand to Pay” sent by its legal counsel, Impact Hub Manila is asking the Comelec to pay its “unsettled liability” for the canceled debate series.
“Despite our client’s repeated demands, both verbally and via email, the claims have remained unpaid. As such, please consider this as the final demand to coordinate and set a meeting with us to discuss the settlement of the outstanding balance,” said Impact Hub’s counsel Ma. Karla Denise Frias in a letter to the Comelec.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia shrugged off the demand, saying the poll body will not be dictated on.
“Public fund is involved and it is our sworn duty to spend it only pursuant to established rules, regulations, and auditing practices,” said Garcia in a message to reporters.
“We cannot be rushed to settle, more so that there are criminal, civil, and administrative liabilities being investigated,” he added.
Nevertheless, Garcia welcomed the demand letter, saying it will revive public interest in holding accountable those involved in the project.
“We are determining whether everything was in order or whether something, somewhere along the way, serious issues of questionable nature did set in,” he said.
“It’s good that it’s them who reminded us of this issue and brought this back to our collective memories,” he added.
In early 2022, the Comelec partnered with Impact Hub Manila to produce a five-debate series for presidential and vice presidential candidates in the May 2022 polls, with Sofitel Philippine Plaza set as venue.
The final two debates were rescheduled, and eventually canceled by the Comelec after Impact Hub encountered financial issues with Sofitel.
The debate fiasco subsequently led to an internal probe ordered by the Comelec en banc.
This was after then James Jimenez, then director of the Comelec’s Education and Information Department, guaranteed that Impact Hub would be able to pay Sofitel as it will get P15.3 million.
Frias, in the letter, said, “We are writing in behalf of our client, Impact Hub Manila, represented by its founder and chief executive officer, Ms. Celeste Eden M. Rondario, in relation to the unsettled liability amounting to P15,300,000.00.”
“The contract entered into between our client and the Comelec stands. That said, our client has submitted their claim and the payment for the services rendered (per terms of reference) is currently being processed,” she added.
Impact Hub gave the Comelec five days upon receipt of the demand letter to respond or make a payment arrangement.
“(Failure) will leave us with no other option but to avail of the legal remedies under the law to recover the debt and to protect the company’s interests,” said Frias.
