Crisis averted!
The power supply of AFP Museum will not be disconnected despite its failure to meet a Feb 3 deadline set by its landlord, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to settle a mind-boggling PHP1.3 million in overdue bills.
That means it can continue operating, with the lights on.
“We are aware of the importance of the role of the AFP Museum and the foundation running it,” Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, told Philippine Daily Inquirer. “That is why the command is willing to sit down with them to jointly find a solution to alleviate the present situation.”
The “situation” would not even be there if the AFP honored a verbal commitment, supposedly made in 1996 to the foundation that runs the museum, that it will take care of AFP Museum’s utility bills.
According to museum administrator Elizabeth Dapiton, the foundaiton started receiving collection notices from the AFP in Nov 2013. In its defense, the AFP said it was merely following a directive of the Commission on Audit. AFP Museum is not officially part of the AFP.
The museum, which showcases military artifacts from the pre-colonial period up to the 2013 Zamboanga crisis, consumes up to PHP50,000 worth of electrical supply every month. It charges a PHP20 entrance fee and receives private donations.
Dapiton said these resources are not enough to sustain their operations.
“Services will continue while these are being planned out by the foundation officials and the Headquarters Support Group. We are also aware that there are reservations for museum tours and we don’t want to deny the public that opportunity,” said Col Detoyato.
