BCDA President Arnel Casanova: A Different Partnership

            There’s nothing in writing an open letter; many people are doing this. They want the public to read their sentiment. But before you do this, make sure that there’s have no issue that will be thrown to you. They can use your words against you. Beside that, extend your effort  to talk the person or group that you’re preferring for. Don’t ask for the attention of the media first. This was what happened to Bases Conservation and Development Authority (BCDA) President Arnel Casanova who wrote an open letter that addressed to Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan. Instead to talk Mayor Domogan privately, the BCDA president made a noise through his letter.

            President Casanova stated in his letter that his agency is a friend to Baguio City people. He pointed out some of their contributions to Baguio City like giving revenue to their local government. Plus, they improve some tourist spot in Baguio City and through this they generated employment. Maybe the head of BCDA wrote this to show that their agency has an importance or significance to every people in Baguio. So, the local government should recognize this.But President Casanova is only four years in BCDA. Before this, the local government has no big issue with this agency. Instead to cooperate with their other partner like Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo), Casanova filed estafa against to the their president. They had also a case in the trial court because they want to prevent the city government from collecting business taxes in the facility.

            Mayor Domogan was not impressed to the letter of President Casanova. Maybe the mayor didn’t feel the sincerity Casanova. His motive was very questionable. Instead, to face in negotiating table, he chose to write an open letter. Mayor Domogan admitted the claims of Casanova; but it is not enough to say that they do all of their obligations in local government. Because the BCDA is not giving to the local government their 25 shares from the leased rental they earned.  They didn’t also disclosed how much they earn from Ayala Techno Hub and they didn’t even pay single centavo to the city government.

            If there’s a sincere with the two camps, that was Mayor Domogan. Casanova maybe is telling the truth but he didn’t mention many things, only the positive side. But how about the negative one like Mayor Domogan’s statement in his letter. BCDA, CJHDevCo has been partners since 1996. So, what’s the problem behind this issue, it is not about BCDA, but it could be referred to their president who are not very cooperative with their partners. We know that in every partnership, cooperation is a must. Without this, you can’t achieve any good results.