H There was much sound-and-fury about the City Square, with self-proclaimed analysts and prophets of doom dipping their dainty fingers into the fray, but ending up with more intriguing half-truths that turned the waters more murky. Nobody got his data straight from the horse’s mouth, resulting to time and words wasted. And strained relationships. To avoid turning around the bush, I called up the only individual who could call a spade a spade on the seething issue, Mr. Beng Sum Kho (BSK), who was then in Manila and Zamboanga. He texted me he would be in Bohol first week of September. True enough, I met him at the dinner-reception of the American Ambassador Harry Thomas, Jr. at the Amorita Resort. Thus, our interview appointment in “Nangutana Lang,” DYRD-ZD, at 6:30 PM last September 7, a Saturday.

LMP: How is the economy of the country in the administration of President Aquino compared to the other Presidents?

BSK: The national economy has always been associated with the political situation, stability, and governance. In the last three years, under the leadership of President PNoy, we have experienced a no-nonsense approach by the present dispensation. Because of the relentless effort of the National Government in going after the grafters, the confidence of the business sector both locally, nationally, and internationally has been restored. I can say that our economy now is much better than before.

LMP: You have no doubts about the intention of the President that we are in the right direction. Now, I would like you to assess his line, “Daang Matuwid.” Do you believe that we have an honest President, who is leading us to the right path?

BSK: Yes, but there are still a lot to be done. We cannot just rely only on the President. We need the other government officials to cooperate with the national leadership in order to achieve that objective.

LMP:Do you believe that the President can have this kind of cooperation? During his SONA (State of the Nation Address), he tried to lambast the Bureau of Customs. The heads resigned, but they were taken back. Lately, he mentioned about the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation). Now, the NBI Chief has resigned, and he is not coming back. Does it mean that there is no sense of loyalty, for some of these people trusted by the President?

BSK: The President, in some instances, is very straightforward, not only to the Bureau of Customs, but also to the Bureau of Immigration, National Irrigation Administration, and NBI. He lashed-out those administrators because he is dissatisfied of the way they handle the bureaucracy. The irony of it is those who resigned are the good ones, but those who don’t have delicadeza still cling on to the position.

LMP: Do you believe that the Philippines has a bright future?

BSK: Basically, the last few months was a great change in the Philippine economy. There are about 9 million Filipinos working abroad as OFWs. Their remittances are almost 2 billion a month, plus the BPOs, Call Centers with more or less 1 billion income per month. When the exchange rate was hovering about P40 to P41, it was not so favorable to Filipinos receiving dollars from abroad. But now, it is around P44, so the take home of the average Filipino family has a few hundred pesos more added.

LMP: Do you believe that this is good for the economy?

BSK: Yes, not only for the economy, but also for the masses.

LMP: One of the problems, and this has been hinted at by many critics of the President, that yes, there is economic growth, but this has not trickled down to the grassroots.

BSK: Exactly, that is why, when we said that the economy is good but the exchange rate is hanging around P40 to P41, it does not benefit the ordinary people. But if the peso is peaked to something like P45, then it has a positive effect to the masses.

LMP: Let’s go to the local issues. How is the economy of Tagbilaran City and the Province of Bohol? Is it at par with the other provinces of the country?

BSK: Few months ago, we welcomed the new City administration, and we expect they would work closely with the Provincial Government, instead of putting their efforts in politics. I would say that the local economy is gearing up way better.

LMP: You believe that this affinity between the Mayor and the Governor will do something good for the economy? Do you know our Mayor, personally?

BSK: Yes.

LMP: How would you assess him as a person?

BSK: He is a very honest guy, humble, and he is willing to learn.

LMP: Yes, that is one of the things I like about him; he does not believe that he knows everything. For him, he still has a lot of things to learn from the people around him. He listens, and we are therefore, in good hands. Now, one of the hottest issues for the past many years is the City Square. Question number one, how is the City Square now?

BSK: First of all, I would like to say that I have been taking a leave of absence in the active management of City Square for about a year or so. I am now back as the President of TBC Realty Management Corporation thatmanages the operation of the Tagbilaran City Square.

LMP: When you were out, who was managing?

BSK: It was our Chairman, Mr. Juan Apostol, who took over the management. But sad to say, he was doing it on a remote control scheme. Basically, the City Square suffered a little bit.

LMP: The City Square now is a permanent fixture as far as Tagbilaran City is concerned. It has already gained a lot of people going there in and out. How profitable is the City Square?

BSK: Since, we are talking about money matters, I think the first thing we should tell the public is, how much the City Square paid to the City Government, as of today since we started our operation. Let me explain to you briefly the summary of our payment. When we took over the JL Apostol Enterprise in 2008, we were able to finish the building in the first-half of 2009. The operation commenced in the second-half on that same year. During that period, the first half-year of 2009, gained a gross revenue of P8,829,477.52. If we are going to compute, 20% of the gross revenue is less than P2.5 million, but nevertheless, we remitted P2.5 million to the City Government. In 2010, which we were already in a better position, we had generated P24,380,750 and the 20% of it is, P4.74 million, but we remitted P5 million, as promised in the contract. In 2011, the revenue jumped to P28,501,798.62, wherein we remitted P5.7 million. Last year, 2012, our collection had improved to P30,202,749.95, and the 20% of which is P6,040,549.99. As of June 2013, we collected P14,827,106.16, and we remitted to the City coffers, P2,965,421.23. In just a span of four years, we have realized a gross revenue of P106,741,882.25, and our total remittance to the City Government is P22,206,330.95.

LMP: There are issues as to whether this money has gone to the City coffers. Can you answer that question?

BSK: Yes. In fact, just recently, we got a notice from the Commission on Audit-Region VII Office in Cebu. They send three Auditors in our office, in order to get a copy of the official receipts that we got from the City Government. They are going to compare that to the figures from the City Hall.

LMP: What improvements are you going to make with the City Square?

BSK: As of now, the City Square is not yet hundred percent occupied. We have many plans to utilize our full potential, so that the revenue will continue to go up.

LMP: I remember one time when we had our interview in “Chamberline,” you mentioned about the possibility of you, and your group to venture into more projects?

BSK: Yes. In fact in 2009, we have submitted an unsolicited proposal to the former administration, stating our intention to rehabilitate the old Cogon Market.

LMP: Would it be the same procedure you had with the City Square?

BSK: It is going to be BOT (Build Operate Transfer) this time. It will be coming from the ground zero, going up. But the proposal was not accepted.

LMP: Are you going to make the same proposal to the new administration?

BSK: Yes, and I have already submitted the proposal sometime last month to the City Mayor. I reiterate in my plan that I want this project to be highly transparent. I am open for a public hearing, and whoever is interested and can give the best deal to the City... may the best man win.

LMP: So, transparency should always be the case. Nobody is to be favored. I hope that the new administration will listen to that. I am one person who believes that as far as entrepreneurship is concerned, it should not be left to the government.

BSK: Yes, because the government should concentrate on good governance, public service, and leave the business, to the businessman.

LMP: How about the Central Market in Dao, no plans, because your target now is Cogon? There is that Central Market, which also has a lot of problems, including the Integrated Bus Terminal. Is there any possibility for you to include that in your plans?

BSK: Of course, there are always possibilities.

LMP: Going back to the Cogon Public Market, if in case it pushes through, how will it look the moment it is finished?

BSK: The new public market will consist of two floors. The ground floor is the wet market, and the second floor is the dry market together with the food court. On the other side is a commercial center, and probably a BPO office for Call Centers.

LMP: That’s another big thing. How many buildings are to be constructed there?

BSK: Yes, that is part of the plan. For the buildings, we have the public market which has two floors, and the commercial building is about four floors.

LMP: What is the timetable?

BSK: It depends on the City Government.

LMP: I will try to ask these people on their response, especially the Councilors. I attended their sessions a few times. I listen to them, and I believe that these people are development-oriented. I have no qualms that they will really give a thought about it, especially that it is for the good of Tagbilaran.

BSK: Definitely, because Tagbilaran City is the gateway of the Province. We still have a lot of things to improve to attract more tourists.

LMP: Now that you mention tourism, I know, you have been in the tourism business for a number of years in Manila. What are the aspects of tourism in Tagbilaran, where you could come in and make some improvement?

BSK: Well, based on my four decades of experience in the travel business since 1974, I have travelled from Basco, Batanes up to the Zamboanga Peninsula. I have been working with five star hotels and travel agencies. So, I know a lot of things that can be done. One of the things we lack in Tagbilaran is the first-class restaurants. Most of the tourists, after their day tour to Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, they go to the hotel. But there are so many things that we can do like, have them a dinner, organize a cultural show, etc.

LMP: You believe that as far as Tagbilaran is concerned, we lack night entertainment?

BSK: Yes. In Manila, the night entertainments are everywhere, catering to both local and international tourists.

LMP: If given a chance would you be part of that plan?

BSK: By all means.

LMP: You have been here in Tagbilaran, for how many years?

BSK: I would say, almost seven years.

LMP: So, you now feel like a Boholano?

BSK: I love the Boholanos, especially the Boholanas. (Laughs)

LMP: You believe that the future of Bohol and Tagbilaran is really that bright?

BSK: Yes, especially if the International Airport in Panglao will be realized. There is a huge potential that the Province continues to soar high all the way. I want to let you know that my first trip to Boracay was in 1975. At that time, there was electricity yet, no water, no nothing, but it was a paradise.In Bohol, we have a lot more to offer. We don’t only have white sandy beaches, we have dive sites, the Tarsier, Chocolate Hills, we have everything.

LMP: What are your parting words?

BSK: I think, we miss something very important. When I was away, I heard a lot of stories circulating around which, perhaps, made me more popular. One question was about the 1-million-peso payment that was supposed to be given to the previous City Hall administration. I would categorically say that I did not make such statement. It’s now a matter of a test of credibility between me and the person who made the statement.

Mr. Beng Sum Kho is not a stranger to entrepreneurship. His father owned and managed three of the biggest oil mills of the country, but were sequestered during the Martial Law years. He has been into other businesses, like transportation and tourism. As Secretary-General of the Filipino-Chinese Organization of the Philippines, he is a prime-mover.

Mayor Dan Neri Lim and Mr. Kho met during the first term of the Mayor. The Agora Market, which was once dubbed the “Biggest Toilet in the World,” became his focus. Now “The City Square: is a source of pride for Tagbilaranons, it being a business-hub and a source of revenue for the City coffers.

Yet, it has been plagued by political innuendos since its inception. With varied conjectures sprouting from every nook and cranny, the truth became a blur. With his interview, it is hoped that the readers would know the real score. The truth always sets us free.

(Website: www.loypalapos.com; email: loy.pal@gmail.com; cellphone: 09498345957)