Press conference at MPC Schofields

Although the MPC managers prefer to call it PACC (Philippine Australian Cultural Center, I prefer to call the place MPC (Multi-Purpose Center) because that was the original plan when the idea was conceived some 23 years ago.

Organised by veteran journalist Jaime Kelly Pimentel, who surprisingly did not participate in the discussions, some members of the Filipino Press had an eyeball-to-eyeball contact with Mansueto Villon, Luz Tiqui, Ed Yunon, Larry Muldong, and Minerva Santos, all known directors of PACF (Philippine Australian Community Foundation). PACF Treasurer Dads Morales was not present and we have yet to verify unconfirmed reports that he has resigned.

In his usual melodramatic style, the 73-year-old PACF chairman Manny Villon made the opening remarks. He cited the humble beginnings of the project at MPC Rooty Hill until they made the unilateral decision to sell the old property and buy the 5.5 acre lot in Schofields.

Although I had been there a number of times, the March 31 presscon was really the first time that I was allowed inside. The renovation job performed was quite impressive. I couldn’t help but marvel at how they transformed an old dilapidated 3-bedroom house into something that looks presentable. The old rundown garage was converted into a conference room where members of media were entertained.

Before the meeting began, Filipino Press convenor Jimmy Pimentel proudly presented what he now calls the Romulo Room. It is meant to be a media room equipped with a computer and some media paraphernalia like old newspapers that include the Philippine Tribune. Opposite the media room is an office where PACF presumably keeps it records.

Being a former residence, the house has a small lounge where a life-size statue of the Blessed Virgin welcomes the visitor. MPC CEO Luz Tiqui said that the statue was a donation transported from the Philippines. She did not mention the name of the donor.

Quite visible from the entrance is the kitchen where some volunteers prepared lunch for the visiting members of media.

Among the few questions I asked was a detailed list of all expenses that PACF incurred since inception. My real intention was for them to reveal their books for public scrutiny — some sort of “Due Diligence” which is normally being performed when there is transfer of ownership. I thought it was justified because the property really belongs to the Filipino community that has poured in over $1 million to the uncompleted project.

Mr. Villon said “the information is contained in the MPC website,” stating further that what is published is an audited financial statement duly signed by Mr. Remigio Biala, CPA.

Thereupon, a visit to the MPC website revealed a glaring net loss of $44,420 for the year ended June 30, 2011 based on total income of $49,866 and total expenses of $94,286 incurred during the same period. Largest item in the Profit & Loss Statement is interest expense of $66,433.

Interest bearing loans total $720,861, broken down as follows: $400,000 from Stacks Managed Funds; $202,860 from Mansueto Villon; and $118,001 from Moises del Mundo. The same report shows total non-interest bearing loans of $55,000 from Remy Biala, Claire Pineda and Luz Tiqui.

Sometime during the meeting, Mr. Villon raised both hands in exasperation, saying he was willing to step down but he also mentioned that whoever wanted to take over the property must also assume its liabilities.

The Profit & Loss Statement on the PACF website covers only the year ended June 30, 2011. I believe the Filipino Community is still entitled to see a complete and detailed list of all expenses incurred since inception.
— Dino Crescini