BACOLOD CITY -- Presiidential spokesman Anthony Golez accused Bacolod City Representative Monico Puentevella of being behind the removal of 500 out-of-school youths in this city from a scholarship program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda).

Golez said he found out from Tesda head Augusto Syjuco that the only reason the scholarship grant was cut off was because most of the scholars were recommended by Golez.

Golez said apparently, politics was the main motive. Golez was perceived to be an ally of Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, a political rival of Puentevella.

Golez, who was here Tuesday, said it was unfortunate that the scholarship was stopped since 120 of the youths were already set to graduate.

Out for dinner

The Philippine Daily Inquirer called and sent numerous text messages to Puentevella asking for his side but he said he was at a dinner meeting and could not be interviewed.

But in an interview with Bombo Radyo on Wednesday, Puentevella denied any role in the cancellation of the scholarship grants. He said Syjuco might be using him to justify the cancellation of the scholarships as Syjuco was “not happy with some politicians.”

Puentevella said such programs should be channeled through the congressman or the mayor, adding that the 500 scholars could go to his office and he would help them.

Golez said the scholars met with him Monday night at the San Antonio Abad Church in Bacolod City Monday night asking for his help to have their scholarships restored.

The meeting was held at the church because 50 of the scholars were recommended by Father Aniceto Buenafe, parish priest of San Antonio Abad, he said.

Puzzling

Golez said he received a letter from Tesda provincial director Yolanda Porschwitz on July 6 informing him that the Tesda central office has stopped the release of funds for the youths that Golez helped become scholars.

He said that while he was in Brazil with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, he also received a call from the Tesda central office informing him of the cancellation of the scholarships grant.

Golez said he then talked to Syjuco whom he quoted as saying “Tony it’s simple, Monico [Puentevella] called me up and he said the scholarships you facilitated for 500 out-out-of-school youths should stop.”

Golez said when he asked Syjuco why, the Tesda chief replied “Tony you are perceived to be an ally of the mayor.”

Golez said he could not understand what the mayor has to do with the scholarships for the out-of-school youths that he was trying to help.

Playing with lives

Golez said the scholars were identified in March, shortly after he visited poor communities in Bacolod.

He said he linked up with Syjuco who promised to help provide 500 slots for the youths that Golez would recommend for scholarships.

“Now these people are demanding answers ... and I owe them an explanation,” he said.

“I could not believe that this could be done by someone here. Nobody has the right to play around with poor people’s lives,” he said.