‘No Capitol expense for son’s Ironman coverage’

Provincial Information Officer Ethel Natera said no public funds were spent  when her 18-year-old son was issued an ID card by organizers of  the Cobra Ironman 70.3 to cover the event last Aug. 2.

“He was given the ID by Sunrise (Events). There was no expense from the government. I don’t see a problem if the organizers allow people to cover the event,” she told reporters.

She had to explain her son’s role after radio dySS posted in its Facebook page a message from a “concern citizen” who asked the station to check the identity of Natera’s son, James.

Attached to the message were  two photos showing James’ Ironman ID card and his photo, taken from his own Facebook page.

James had posted:  “Thank you to the Cebu Provincial Government for this opportunity. For the third year in a row. #ironman703 #swim #bike #run #media.”

Natera, in response, said  she had asked permission from race organizer, Sunrise Events, for her son to be at the event  as a photographer.

Her son  is taking a decourtse  in entrepreneurship at the University of San Carlos and belongs to the school’s  publication.

The concerned citizen also alleged that some Capitol department heads stayed in a “very expensive hotel” the night before the triathlon races and wondered if this was paid for by the  provincial government.

Sought for comment,  Ramil Abing, Assistant provincial administrator and one of the point persons for the event, said:“As far as I know, only Provincial Board Member Tining (Martinez) and Atty. Mark stayed at Shangri-La.”
PB  Member Celestino “Tining” Martinez III stayed in a room sponsored by organizers.

Abing said the room was meant for Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, who was invited to lead the gun start during the race at 6 a.m.

Abing said  Provincial Administrator Mark Tolentino paid for his hotel accommodation since he participated in a relay event at the Cobra Ironman 70.3 as a runner.