Third of a series:
By ALICE GREGORIO-NICOLAS
Fiesta update Ross Manuel further explains Following The Philippine Times’ article titled “Fiesta meeting raises more questions,” the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Inc headed by its Chairperson Ross Manuel has released the following answers clarifying some of the questions raised during the Special Meeting with the Concerned Members of the Philippine Fiesta of Victoria Inc (CMPFVI) last 17 June 2012 at the Philippine Community Centre in Laverton.
Philippine Times: Any update about the mistake of the Management Committee signing as a guarantor for the purchaser of the Laverton property?
Ross Manuel: There is no mistake, the Management Committee never signed as guarantor to the purchaser.
Philippine Times: Could you please confirm if there is really a sale of the Laverton property? It appears in last Sunday’s meeting that some of your officers claim there is no sale. Fely Roxas even posted on the Philippine Times Facebook that there was no sale. Yet you announced during the last AGM that there was a sale and in fact a contract signing. Please clarify once and for all.
Ross Manuel: Yes, contract of sale agreement was signed by both parties, vendor and purchaser with special condition to adhere.
Philippine Times: There is a clamour for the Fiesta Management Committee to step down. Could you please comment on this being the Chairperson?
Ross Manuel: There’s no clamour really as it only came from one person with no support from the others. The Management Committee members were duly elected by the PFVI membership and given the mandate as per the constitution and by-laws. Let us observe and respect their democratic process of election.
Philippine Times: Is it true that your PRO, Alex Ordona has just resigned? Why? If the resignation was known to you last Sunday, why this was not announced? Or is it just early this week? How will this affect the operation of the Fiesta Management Committee?
Ross Manuel: Yes. He resigned as Public Relation Officer but still a member of the Management Committee. This is his personal choice to be respected and looking forward for his involvement in the operation and full support to the preparation of our Annual Fiesta celebration
Philippine Times: The financial standing of the Philippine Fiesta is the big issue in all the criticisms here. Please comment.
Ross Manuel: Criticism is always a sickness within the community, looking for someone to blame and condemn. A typical selfish action that create division within a group or community. The PFVI financial statement was audited by an external Auditor (as per Australian standard) and reported to the membership during the Annual General Meeting.
Philippine Times: What are the preparations now for the forthcoming 30th Philippine Fiesta?
Ross Manuel: The Management committee is now preparing for 30th Annual Fiesta celebration which will be held on November 24 and 25, 2012. We encourage everyone in the community to participate in the preparation and join this momentous 30th Fiesta celebration.
Philippine Times: Your Committee is also not firm on answering the question: Did the vendor pay the deposit already? Please clarify as well.
Ross Manuel: The purchaser paid a deposit (10%) thru the trust account of the Real Estate Agent Raine & Horne.
View more photos of the Fiesta Committee meeting with Concerned Members at gGoryoPictures
