Since the public hearings into the Development Finance Commission (DFC) climaxed with the appearance of Glenn D. Godfrey in early March, the work of the Commission has faded out of the public spotlight. Still, the Commission continues some very critical work behind closed doors.
Over the course of the past three months the Commission has called six more witnesses; however, the last three people summoned have so far not given testimony. We have previously told you about the non-appearance of the Novelo brothers – Anthony and David – when they were called to testify before the Commission last month.
The Commission had re-summoned them, but still, only David Novelo appeared in the presence of his attorney – Elson Kaseke, and they presented grounds for not being able to testify.
We understand that the Commission will continue to pursue the Novelos to get testimony from them on the matter of their $30 million loan with the DFC.
Most recently, the Commission has summoned the main shareholder of Universal Health Services (UHS), Dr. Victor Lizarraga. That summons was sent to the hospital’s office, but it was returned to the Commission on the claim that the office was not authorized to accept it.
Lizarraga is being called to testify in respect of a loan UHS received from the DFC.
The Commission had also said that it was planning to recall Godfrey – DFC’s former board chairman; however, at press time, there had been no attempt to get him back before the Commission.
Godfrey’s public testimony had been disputed by two of his legal colleagues – Chris Coye and Norman Neal, who both gave their testimonies in camera to the Commission in April.
Since Godfrey’s testimony, the Commission had also recalled former DFC general manager, Roberto Bautista, to testify in camera. Bautista, who had initially appeared before the Commission last November, had also provided testimony on the Novelo transaction, from which Godfrey’s law firm had earned legal fees.
The Commission, comprised of co-chairs Merlene Bailey-Martinez and Supreme Court Justice Herbert Lord, continues to meet on a regular basis, sifting through the voluminous information it has acquired since its work began last August—10 months ago.
Commissioner Bailey-Martinez said that the Commission is working steadfastly towards preparing a proper report on its work and findings, but they are constrained by the work schedule of Commissioner Lord, who has full-time responsibilities in the Supreme Court.