ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio. Photo from congress.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines—Militant lawmakers called on Wednesday for a House probe on the Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP) group of companies on following its ill-starred National Basketball Association exhibition game with Gilas national players Tuesday night.
“The MVP Group deserves the ire of basketball fans for failing to deliver its commitment in the aborted basketball game. It is not surprising if the MVP group is using funds from their ventures to bankroll sporting events,” said Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon in a text message.
“Congress has to determine whether instead of profits, operating or regulated companies are being used to fund these sporting events,” said Ridon in a text message.
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said the time has come for Congress to look into the MVP Group’s bankrolling of pricey sporting events considering that its businesses were mostly state franchises such telecommunications (PLDT, Smart and Sun), power (Manila Electric Co.), toll road (North Luzon Expressway), and water (Maynilad Water).
“Under today’s neoliberal regime, public services are operated for profit. MVP is free to spend such profits on whatever his heart desires,” said Tinio.
Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello agreed that a probe would be in order. “Such power over our economy, government and sports by a front man for Indonesian interests should not be tolerated,” said Bello.
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