Second of a series: Fiesta update
Emotions ran high during the 17 June 2012 meeting between the Concerned Members of PFVI (CMPFVI) and the Philippine Fiesta Management Committee held at the Philippine Community Centre in Laverton. As the Fiesta celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Inc. Chairperson Ross Manuel said, “Everyone is concerned. Let us not forget the sacrifices ng mga nauna (those who came first). You are all very precious. Without you wala tayong pagdadausan. Kung wala naman po yung sacrifices ng nagpapatuloy, wala rin po tayo dito.” (Without you we will not have a place to celebrate. But if not for the sacrifices of those continuing we will not be here.)
Manuel admits the Philippine Fiesta has current issues but hopes such issues will be resolved amicably. “Iwasan ang temper,” (Let us avoid temper) he said. Tense emotion began when Concerned Members saw the agenda requiring them to note down their questions. They disagreed but were allowed later on to ask questions towards the end part of the meeting. The Q & A became the highlight of the meeting as members were mostly not satisfied with the Committee’s answers. One even told them pointblank, “You should all step down from your positions.”
Concerned Members speak out
The Concerned Members have, among others, two major issues wanting answers from the Fiesta Officers. One is the sale of the land of which the members were not informed despite claims by the Management Committee that AGM letters were sent. And second is the dwindling financial resources of the Philippine Fiesta as it continues to lose money for the last three years eversince the Fiesta celebration transferred to the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. “Three years and we have been losing money. Clearly, the organisation is being run at a loss,” says Eddie Atacador, spokesperson of the Concerned Members.
While the two-day Fiesta celebration generates income, whatever it earns go mainly to the maintenance and paying of bills of the Community Centre. But if money is being used for the maintenance the Concerned Members are asking why the Centre is at its worst dilapidated condition with leaking roofs and dirty walls. The again, the senior members recalled how they spent time painting and renovating the place in early days.
Manuel asks for support
While the deepening Fiesta crisis has focused everyone’s attention on poor management and sale of the land, Manuel said little attention has been given to the significant efforts of the volunteers. They too, he noted, are busy with family and work and yet they devote their time to the Fiesta. “We know there are shortcomings. Like you we also have family and work responsibilities. We still have this obligation.” He then encouraged those in the room to work hand in hand with the Management committee and assist them in any way they can.
We want transparency
The PFVI Committee has come under fire from the Concerned Members, which accuses it of lack of transparency and proper channel of communication. The CMPFVI claims the members were not notified and consulted when part of the Laverton property was sold. “When you are going to sell a land that is owned by the community, let us be transparent. Accountability is important,” Atacador told the Committee members all seated in front.
Another PFVI Officer, Mario Magbiray has confirmed that notices of the Annual General Meeting were mailed to members. “On 17 October 2010, we had a quarterly meeting and members unanimously agreed to sell the land,” he adds. Those present protested saying they did not know and did not get any invite. In turn, Magbiray dared them, “Those who received the letter please stand up.” No one stood up. Tempers flared up again as those present were mostly the ones who started the Fiesta 30 years ago.
The Fiesta Committee was further asked why the financial statements of the PFVI were not independently audited the past three years. Atacador reminded the officers about the reporting obligation of the PFVI to the Consumer Affairs of Victoria and to its members considering the value of its assets. Unaudited financial statements show an eroding bank balance.
Why Melbourne Showgrounds?
The Management Committee of Manuel is being blamed for ignoring Hobsons Bay City Council’s repeated warnings mostly on traffic, safety, noise and parking. The permit was cancelled in 2008 forcing the community to transfer from Laverton to a much expensive venue, the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. Since then, the PFVI has been losing money. PFVI Secretary Mario Dumrique explained the Fiesta celebration, regardless of the cancellation of permit, has to move to a bigger venue. “A Council representative told me ‘Your Fiesta is too successful you need to look for a facility’,” said Dumrique. The celebration has become so big it could not accommodate parking or noise level requirement. In earlier days, the residents could handle the discomfort of having several people in their area but when it became bigger and thousands of people were coming, residents were already complaining to the Council of noise and cars blocking their driveways.
More issues to deal with
During the meeting, there were more important issues that were raised and discussed. Manuel and Fely Roxas signed the contract of sale and affixed their signatures on the guarantor part of the contract thereby making the PFVI the guarantor for the purchaser. The Concerned Members also raised the issue of why the sale has the same conveyancer for both the PFVI and the buyer of the land.
Noel Tolentino further asked Manuel if they have contracted a legal advice to look at the contract and the sale. While not answering an outright “No”, Manuel said the conveyancer did the checking for them. Tolentino also asked whether a deposit has already been made. One officer said “yes” while another officer was shaking the head to indicate “no”. The PFVI has already received the cheque but if the agent’s commission was already taken remain unclear.
Not an absolute power for major decisions
Although Manuel claims the committee has the power to decide the sale of the property as provided in the PFVI Constitution, Tony Lugo of the Concerned group pointed out that such is not an absolute power considering the amount of the sale is $1.1M. Lugo said if it’s a day-to-day operations such as choosing a venue the members need not know. But a major decision such as selling a land for a million, the general membership should be consulted. In an emotional outburst, Lugo then asked the officers what prevent them now from selling more parcels of land if the Committee thinks they have an absolute power to decide for themselves.
Documents for review
Manuel handed over to Atacador all the documents they requested for review and said they are open for more meetings if required. Meanwhile, Atacador told The Philippine Times few days after the meeting that they were given only the audited 2010 financial statement. “They really did not give us the full records. We are still checking and our initial review of the documents shows there are more serious concerns.” He declined to give further comment but said the Concerned Group will talk when they finish reviewing all the documents.
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