Gov't curbs holiday parties

Collateral damage from the flood control corruption scan- dal has also hit hotels and private event venues this Christmas season, even as the tourism and hospitality sector is already struggling with low tourist arrivals.

- MARIANNE GO

Government sources admit that there has been a general directive for various government offices to refrain from "extravagant" or "unnecessary" parties this Christmas.

Thus, various government offices that used to hold their traditional Christmas parties in hotels or in private event venues are now being told to look for alternative outlets.

Government agencies and offices are being asked to seek and prioritize government properties first, and if there is no suitable government property or facility available, the agency or office must justify why the government property is not available and why they have to rent or seek private venues or alternatives.

A list of the alternative choices must also be made and published.

Likewise, sources said, a cap has also been put on the budget for Christmas parties.

Government procurement procedures require the conduct of a competitive bidding for the event contractor or the hotel or restaurant.

Hotels, event venues and providers are, thus, apprehensive of losing a lucrative holiday revenue stream this year with the continued fallout from the flood control corruption probe being conducted by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure or ICI, which is not expected to conclude its investigation soon, even as Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has hinted at the possibility that an announcement may be made before the year ends.

Economic observers had pointed out early on in the flood control probe, initially done by the Senate and the House of Representatives, that corruption helped fuel the economic growth posted by the country in previous years.