Update 2: Sant, Pullicino Orlando, play cat and mouse, trade new charges
New allegations by Pullicino Orlando
Labour leader Alfred Sant this afternoon accused Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando of 'corruption' over a development permit granted by Mepa at Mistra, but the Nationalist MP quickly denied the charges.
The accusation was made at a hastily called press conference in Mistra.
Dr Sant said that Mepa had granted an outline permit for a discoteque in Mistra which could take 4,000 people and then extended that to 8,000 people. He said the facility would be built on land belonging to Dr Pullicino Orlando outside the development zone. Previous applications for much smaller developments had been refused. Dr Sant said he was sure money had changed hands over the matter.
Dr Pullicino Orlando, who had got wind that Dr Sant may say something about him, attended a press conference given by Dr Sant yesterday morning outside the Mepa offices in Floriana and this morning followed Dr Sant to Gozo, where the Labour leader gave another press conference. In both instances Dr Pullicino Orlando was not mentioned.
Dr Sant then came back to Malta and the press conference was called with barely 45 minutes notice.
He said it was only called at that time because Labour’s delegation had been in Gozo and it wanted to be sure that it would make it to the site on time. Labour, he said, only invited journalists to its press conferences.
Dr Pullicino Orlando described Dr Sant as a "coward" for not having made the accusations in his presence, when he had two opportunities to do so. He said he was was prevented from catching the same ferry back as Dr Sant by journalists and officials who kept asking him needless questions.
As he waited for the next ferry Dr Pullicino Orlando phoned journalists asking them to stay at Mistra so that he could immediately reply to Dr Sant's allegations.
Upon his arrival - when Dr Sant had already left - Dr Pullicino Orlando said he could confirm that he owned land in Mistra but it was rented out to third parties and he did not even know the details of the project which Dr Sant had spoken about. He had never met the applicant for the development permit.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said he would be filing a libel suit against Dr Sant and said that if he (Dr Sant) was convinced of his corruption claims, he should take his case to the Police Commissioner for investigation.
One News in a statement this evening denied that its journalists had delayed Dr Pullicino Orlando and said that its journalists had actually boarded the ferry on time.
In a press statement in the evening Dr Pullicino Orlando again denied the charges made against him by Dr Sant and instead accused Labour Party deputy leader Charles Mangion and Labour MP Karmenu Vella of of making false rental income declarations to the Inland Revenue Department and the Malta Financial Services Authority for several years.
The new allegations were promptly denied by by Dr Mangion and Mr Vella, who said that all income had been declared for tax purposes.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said that Mirca Properties Ltd, a company in which the Labour MP were partners, rented three apartments in Birżebbuġa to the Freeport for several years and did not declare the income. For example, in the financial statements for 1997 registered at the MFSA, Mirca Properties declared it did not do business that year when the facts showed that it had received cheques for Lm9,468 (€22,054) and these were cashed. In the same period, the company declared an expense bill of Lm5,803 (€13,517).
During this period, Dr Pullicino Orlando said, both Dr Mangion and Mr Vella were ministers and while one was now deputy leader, the other was a prominent MP. If Labour was elected both would be senior ministers in Dr Sant’s cabinet.
But when contacted after the news conference, Dr Mangion denied that Mirca Properties had made false declarations for tax purposes. He said that everything was now up to date and if there had been an auditing mistake this had been corrected.
Dr Mangion and Mr Vella reserved the right to take legal action against Dr Pullicino Orlando.
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jane deguara
Mar 6th 2008, 08:49
to Jennifer Pullicino Orlando well said....
Corinne Vella
Mar 5th 2008, 13:44
Kenneth Spiteri
I take it you agree with the point I made here that third parties can apply for a permit without the landowner knowing. The quotation you use is exactly the same one I referred to.
John Schembri
Mar 3rd 2008, 15:38
How to muzzl;e your victims from the opposition: "Gibulu l-pulizija" "Press card please"
Dr Alfred Sant must face Jeffery , or else we cannot consider him for Malta's Premiership.From what I can see this corruption allegation has made the desired damage which the MLP wanted.
The PN has to work really hard on this , only three days to go for JPO to get his name cleared.
B.Attard
Mar 3rd 2008, 15:31
If Dr.Alfred Sant is saying the truth why is he running away from JPO? I just saw on the news Sant shocked at the sight of JPO in the journalist stand at pbs.
Kenneth Spiteri
Mar 3rd 2008, 15:30
To Corinne Vella....taken fromother post... The truth or otherwise of Dr. Sant’s allegations can be seen from the MEPA website itself. Just look under “applications” and enter the application number, and there you have it. However, as you will see from the permit itself, third parties, and persons totally unknown to me, may apply - and indeed obtain - permits on my land without my knowing. MEPA does not enter into the merits or otherwise of the title of an applicant to the land (i.e., whether he owns it). Indeed, any MEPA permit is issued subject to “third party rights” and a MEPA permit is not a certificate to title. If I obtain a permit from MEPA it does not mean that I am the owner. It does not even mean that the owner knows about it. Since MEPA is a Planning Authority, it only examines questions of permits.
Marie Claudine Amato
Mar 3rd 2008, 13:44
The only facts that i'm deducing from all that is happening this story included i can only say that
1. alfred sant is a big Coward !!!!
2. he is good on inducing people to become violent.
3. he's a maglinent person the worse ever even worse than mintoff himself !!!
4. he just likes to show off in front of people than in facts he runs away ! if sant knows what he is saying he would say things in a person's face.
Corinne Vella
Mar 3rd 2008, 12:59
David Farrugia: It is possible for anyone to apply for a permit without the landowner's knowledge. You can read a lawyer's comment here: http://daphnecaruanagalizia.com/?p=7#comment-22
Anthony Mizzi
Mar 3rd 2008, 12:53
After Ms. Daphne Caruana Galizia’s observation , on Fleur Hili’s comment. , I am now more convinces than ever that Ms. Caruana Galizia will never need cardio interventions.
G Torpiano
Mar 3rd 2008, 12:32
Fact: Calling a hurried press conference to make allegations about someone who is delayed on a boat, is both pathetic and cowardly. Dawn huma l-Iljuni tal-Bidla? haha
John Schembri
Mar 3rd 2008, 11:39
The issue is of WHO WILL BE PRIME MINISTER FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? Dr Alfred SANT or Dr Laurence Gonzi .Please remain focused. If Dr Sant was enough gentleman, he would have faced JPO in front of the press , But Sant ,all he is interested in is MUDSLINGING.He is really good at it .
But is he good to run our country? My answer is a defenite NO , because all he has been doing for the past SIXTEEN years is beating around the bush.Can anyone think hard and tell me of FIVE good governance measures he made while he was PM.
Not infrustractural projects please.I want to hear of imaginative strategic moves where Malta as a nation went foward. Who cares if our MP's are corrupt , it is up to us to vote for them.Can anyone of us "cast the first stone?" , has anyone ever "forgot " to pay VAT for example. If there is anyone out there who thinks that if a party gets to power there will be no corruption , he would better think again because he will be grossly disappointed. It is the responsibility of EVERY citizen to uncover corruption IMMEDIATELY , not take profit and make allegations of "ghaddew il-flus ", at the end of an electoral campaign .If one was careful and analysed what Sant said , he did not say that Jeffery was corrupt , he said :"GHADDEW IL -FLUS" , on the bill boards and the sunday papers we have "SKANDLU TAL-MISTRA ...FLIMKIEN KOLLOX POSSIBBLI" and a picture of JPO and Dr Laurence Gonzi.As any lawyer worth his salt may tell you , JPO will subsequently lose the battle against THE mudslinger per excellance Alfred Sant. Because I did not hear Dr Sant say that JPO corrupted anyone he only iMLPied! We have seen theses kind of attacks on Michael Frendo , Richard Muscat ,Gordon Cordina and several others .It's called CHARACTER ASSASINATION. If this is the "DINJITA" in the MLP slogan , then Xoghol means "no Work" and "Harsien " means "less social services" .
Jennifer Pullicino Orlando
Mar 3rd 2008, 10:48
Fact: Well-Known restaurant next door
Fact: JPO does not know applicant
Fact: JPO has called for withdrawal of the application, MEPA had not even given full permit and recommended refusal... Where is the Corruption?
Fact: JPO could not even get a well to be built when he needed it for irrigation purposes... But now he is apparently powerful enough to influence MEPA into allowing the building of a disco in Mistra. Right, reeks of utter absurdity.
Fact: JPO's environmental credentials should speak for themselves... Mnajdra, Golf Course, Cement Factory
Fact: Charles Mangion and Karmenu Vella deny foul play re: Tax Evasion and say that anything that has been done incorrectly has been rectified... OK.... 8 years of wrongdoing, 2 of which within a supposedly non-tolerant to corruption government.
FACT: Sant has not done anything about the latter... He has not gone to the Police, as is his duty to do so...Chickening out again? To scared to face up to reality?
David Farrugia
Mar 3rd 2008, 09:55
FACT: The piece of land in question lies in an area on which no kind of development should be allowed.
FACT: Such a project requires written consent from the owner of the land.
... enough said.
emma mangion
Mar 3rd 2008, 09:53
Dr.Sant seems unable to take a face to face challenge. He simply cannot take any form of direct confrontation. his policy is mud slinging and more mud slinging.
Shame on such cowardice
Catherine Polidano
Mar 3rd 2008, 09:30
For the first time in my life i watched One news last Saturday. On this news I saw and heard Pullicino Orlando state that he doesn't know and has never met the person he's rented the land to!
When asked when he had rented the land Pullicino Orlando stated "Less than a year ago" - the application for the disco permit was submitted over two years ago.
Pullicino Orlando also stated that the rent agreement was an "informal" one, not a written one, and so he has no written evidence to prove that he had rented the land or that he has received any rental money.
The DCC granted the permit despite the development being completely contrary to planning policies and MEPA's recommendations. The permit was justified only on the grounds that the consultant of Francis Zammit Dimech said the development will be good for tourism.
The MLP might have leaked the Mistra case for electoral gain, but the above mentioned facts are immune to party colours. And it would be a big injustice towards the common citizen if the above facts are suppressed or distorted in media reports.
Kurt Vella
Mar 3rd 2008, 08:51
In reply to Mr.Laiviera, any one can apply for a permit on any land. My family experienced the same situation on a land it owns when someone applied without us knowing for a permit on our land. If permit is issued doesn't mean that construction can take place. For that you need the owners' permit.
Daphne Caruana Galizia
Mar 3rd 2008, 02:10
Fleur Hili, "you have no guts, Dr Sant" is a bit of a tactless comment in view of recent events - though I can hardly say I blame you.
Claude Brincat
Mar 3rd 2008, 01:45
I couldn't agree with you more Matthew. As for Mr. Anthony Mizzi, i think you are a socialist who talks on what he sees on Super 1 only, because if you were a cultured Maltese citizen you would know that a Sir Temi Sammut has never existed and has never seen the light of day. I think you meant Sir Temi Zammit.
I mean no offence by this comment, i just want to correct your MISPRINT.
J. Scerri
Mar 2nd 2008, 23:07
Always the same OLD MLP story. Dr. Sant accusing someone (remember the 1996 Saga) and regulary failing to bring evidence when has to give proof of his allegation. Or even worse, he says that he didn't believe in anyone who is doing the investigations. But in this case he goes further. Dr. Pullicino Orlando was following Dr. Sant for the last 3 days but he never mentioned him. At the 1st chance that he wasn't there, Dr.Sant came up with this story. This shows how Dr.Sant is good to speak only when he's without opponents. He knew that he will lose every FACE to FACE challange with Dr. Pullicino Orlando. So what word should we give to describe Dr.Sant's attitude? COWARDICE it's not enough.
Kevin Callus
Mar 2nd 2008, 22:54
This neverending game is getting too long now. I think what one should do, if one has a doubt about Dr. Pullicino Orlando's innocence, is not to vote for him in the 1st place, but don't put the PN in your black book. There CAN BE corrupt candidates in both parties..... all you have to do is cast your vote to the "clean" candidates and choose which candidates are to be elected. One must bear in mind that you CANNOT choose which prime minister to lead Malta... it's definitely the leader of the winning party... and in my opinion there is only one sensible leader... and that is Dr. Gonzi.
So vote for Dr. Gonzi by voting PN and do not vote for any candidate who in your opinion does not deserve to be re-elected. At least, we'll have a decent leader.
P.S. I have nothing against Dr. Pullicino Orlando. I'm just using this article to express my opinion.
Marie Craus
Mar 2nd 2008, 22:42
Mr Borg I respect your opinion intelligent or not but may I kindly remind you that we are not living in a dictatorship country , in a corrupted one yes, where those in power do anything to gain whatever they can being right or not.
James De Giorgio
Mar 2nd 2008, 22:39
Michael Catania's suggestion that we're jealous of Alfred Sant is preposterous.
But we have to admit that Sant's mudslinging is causing harm.
James De Giorgio
Mar 2nd 2008, 22:36
Shame on Labour's tactics.
If they truly had nothing to hide, they would not have shied away from making the allegations in front of Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.
Rather they chose to elude him in the most deceitful manner.
I don't believe the MLP, for if they were sure of what they're saying, they would have said it in front of Pullicino Orlando, and got a sound reply for it.
Anthony Mizzi
Mar 2nd 2008, 20:59
Maybe Mr. Abdilla saw better ethics from 7 year olds playing catch who attended classes with reception Class concepts, certainly not from University Students attending a recent meeting with the Party Leaders at the Sir Temi Sammut Hall at University.
Matthew Borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 19:26
If these allegations are so damning, why didn't Sant have the courage to face up to JPO and say it to his face. He had two opportunities to do so. I don't see what the problem would have been? If the potential Prime Minister does not even have the courage to face one person and confront them, what is he going to do if he is elected? Run away in haste to avoid direct confrontation, no doubt. Why didn't Dr. Sant, if this honestly is a 'monumental' case of corruption on PN's side, refer the case to the Police Commissioner as soon as possible? Oh, excuse me, I forgot, he doesn’t feel the need to do so himself… I mean why should he…he’s only the Leader of the Opposition! I challenge Dr. Sant to face JPO. The permit was for a platform and underground toilets… not for the Disco! If JPO is so powerful at MEPA, as Dr. Sant states, and is able to corrupt them into making a decision in the applicants favour for the construction of the Disco, then why couldn’t he even get pe!
rmission to build a Reservoir to water his plants? (The application was rejected twice). The only dead fish I smell is the fact that the Leader of the Opposition was too much of a coward to make the accusation to JPO’s face. What was he so afraid of, I wonder?
Fact: We are still waiting for real tangible propositions from MLP… past the mudslinging and ridiculous accusations.
What do you say about these tax evasion charges, Dr Sant?
Vote MLP, Get Sant… the Coward.
michael catania
Mar 2nd 2008, 18:47
All those who called Alfred Sant a coward should have a good look at themselves, I'm sure they will see something that is degrading to other humans.This something is JEALOUSY and HATE. Alfred Sant has a duty to bring to the notice of us mere mortals all shortcomings of this tired and dicredited conservative govt. I still have to come across a member of the PN that has an ounce of credibilty. Maybe all those that criticize Alfred Sant have "faham miblul". Finally I say to the voters next saturday -DO NOT LET THE CONSERVATIVES OF THIS LAND HOODWINK YOU ONCE MORE and vote wisely on the day. VOTE LABOUR
Matthew Borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 18:47
Marie Craus: "...but in the mean time let Dr Sant expose more of this, because out there, there are intelligent and honest citizens who would like to know."
No offence, Ms. Craus, but being a Labour supporter would be an insult to my (so-called) intelligence, in my opinion.
Matthew Borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 18:44
It's amazing how people can still vote for this political party while Sant is in power. People like Paola Demicoli believe what Dr. Sant says the be as the naked truth. The only thing true about this is that Dr. Sant is once again stooping to yet another low in his electoral 'campaign', if you can even call it that, a campaign full of mud-slingling and apparent truths. My answer to this? Sant and his stooges have so little to say about their plan, that they have to resort to underhand tactics in an attempt to win them votes. A manifesto and political campaign full of lies, and a set of candidates who are liars! P.S. For those who claim (like Joe Borg) that they have always voted PN and due to their 'arrogance' they will now vote Labour, give me a break! Either these people have always been MLP supporters, or else they really can't make out their left from right! P.P.S. I think the cheer that Dr. Pullicino Orlando got today at the Mass Meeting speaks for itself as well.
marie craus
Mar 2nd 2008, 18:28
Can somebody explain how can you rent a property , in this case a huge area in one of he most beautiful locations of malta, and one fine day you pass by and see that this third party has built an entertainment complex on it, without the permission of the owner. Dr Pullicino Orlando should thank Dr Sant for drawing his attention before it was too late. Give us a break from all these lies and do not treat me and many others, as if we're monkeys . You are doing exactly like those 3 monkeys, hear no evil, speak no evil,see no evil. It is a free country you still have 1 week left to continue doing this but in the mean time let Dr Sant expose more of this, because out there, there are intelligent and honest citizens who would like to know.
glennlf_4@hotmail.com
Mar 2nd 2008, 18:11
less power to few "innocent" people .. vote ad
Saviour Abdilla
Mar 2nd 2008, 18:10
When will Dr. Sant's elves teach the man to stop putting his foot in his mouth? Such behaviour is glaringly unbecoming of a person who aspires to lead the country for the next five years. I've seen better ethics from 7-yr olds playing catch.
Andy Ellul
Mar 2nd 2008, 18:00
How can somebody pin the blame on Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando when his name doesnt even appear on the planning application? Also, how can somebody cry scandal when the issuing of the permit is not yet complete? Where is the corruption in all this?
Its a great pity that this election has ended up becoming a mud slinging campaign based on baseless allegations.
Dion Borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 17:44
OK due to these chess moves.....may I propose Carmel Cacopardo to a multi role of MEPA Chairperson, Commissioner of Inland Revenue, and Commissioner of Police?!
C. Psaila
Mar 2nd 2008, 17:36
Expect more of this mud slinging in the next few days! That is all we have come to expect from Labour. No plans, no strategies, just gimmicks and hypothetical accusation!
david Camilleri
Mar 2nd 2008, 17:15
Shame is on Pullicino Orlando pretending he does not know what is going on with the land that he owns. If P. Orlando had any courage he should have went to these press conferences alone and did not need to go with his bodyguards, Was he trying to provoke a fight with his bullies? And then play it as a victim?
Randolph Bugeja
Mar 2nd 2008, 15:21
I agree with Mark Pisani that Sant is a liability to his own party.
However what concerns me is that this man can stoop so low! And yet he proposes himself as our future PM.
R Vassallo
Mar 2nd 2008, 14:54
Let's follow Sant's logic.. just because the land belonged to Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando, means that the permit was issued to a third party because JPO is corrupt?
Please Dr Sant.. you've exceeded all limits of decency. Shame on you.
C Camilleri
Mar 2nd 2008, 14:53
If there was ever any need for proof Alfred Sant has absolutely no qualms about trampling over others to achieve his megalomaniac needs this weekend was it! We witnessed Alfred Sant squirming his way out of a face to face challenge on two occasions for one simple reason. He wanted to smear Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando with ‘evidence’ that was tenuous to say the least. Why else did he avoid the confrontation?
If I had damning evidence and any strength of character I would have challenged Dr Pullicino Orlando face to face. I wouldn’t chuck the mud and squirm off.
J Zammit
Mar 2nd 2008, 14:49
The 'Mistra scandal' was supposed to be the 'bomb' that would win Dr Sant the election in the last few days of the campaign. But it looks more like a squib than a bomb. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando was wrong in letting land rented to someone else be the object of a permit for an open air disco, but that doesn't mean he's 'corrupt' as Dr Sant was exaggeratedly claiming. And Pullicino Orlando has now done the right thing and asked for withdrawal of the application. He showed 'regret', unlike Dr Sant!
mark tanti
Mar 2nd 2008, 14:05
What a shame on A.Sant. I remember other electection campaigns lead by MLP leaders D.Mintoff and KMB. At that time all politicians had the decency to respect each other and never tried to charecticily kill their political opponents. During the leadership of the MLP party by KMB I thought that the MLP has reached it's lowest state but I was mistaken. A.Sant is a shame for the MLP supporters who really love their party (not like these people who are writting in favour of the MLP in these comments) These people do not really love thier party.
Malta needs a real change in the MLP. Genuine MLP supporters should have the courage and vote for a change of their leader. By changing their leader the MLP can become a real alternative to the PN.
Paola Demicoli
Mar 2nd 2008, 13:10
This Morning Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando asked for "whoever" submitted the application to retire it.....
Come on!!!! Give us a Break!!!
First - as if he doesn't know who applied and who rented his land!!
Secondly - Now you ask for it to be stopped? What if it was never raised by Sant? Would he have asked? (I assume he knew since he was following Sant whereever he went....) Is this the guy who pretends to be our "environmental hero"?!!!
GIVE US A BREAK.... IT STINKS!!!
Joseph Aquilina
Mar 2nd 2008, 13:05
The fact is that these people where not helped to get a permit on that land. The fact is that Dr.Sant played with the truth another time. You can easily realise who is right and who is wrong. Dr.Pullicino Orlando was not afraid to open a libel in court against Dr.Sant because (I guess) he is sure he did nothing illegal. On the other hand (so far) Dr.Mangion and Mr.Vella only reserve the right to take legal action against Dr Pullicino Orlando! Why? If they are so sure that did not break the law then why not take legal issue immediately? Or they are afraid the whole true could come out?
Alfred Cassar
Mar 2nd 2008, 13:04
This is the state some of our 'politicians' have brought our country in.
Be dirty as much as you can 5 days before election because there is no time for the others to defend themselves.
Shame on Dr Sant who was so coward not to mention anything when faced with his target.
He likes playing dirty. How can you ever vote this person as our PM.
This type of politics is damaging the Labour Party itself. People in the MLP should combat this policy and should condemn such behaviour by their leader. They should be brave enough to clean their party thoroughly and get rid of this kind of politicians.
Rachel Borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 13:00
Dr Sant continues to insult our intelligence. Dr Gonzi will submit the 'evidence' to the Police Commissioner ("paraventu according to Dr Sant). The Commissioner will fully investigate, find no irregularity, exonerate Dr Pullicino Orlando and Dr Sant will continue to claim that he is morally convinced that money exchanged hands. that is the formula - but the damage would have been done!
We need Dr Sant as PM like we need a hole in the head. Dr Sant is a cynical leader who will stoop as low as he needs to to achieve his desired result regardless of the consequences.
Remember that Dr Sant has no regrets about trying to deny us membership of the EU. Where would we be today if we were conned into staying out of the EU?
Use your heads - we need stability and progress not a hard headed novelist that treats us all as characters in a figment of his imagination!
Michael Agius
Mar 2nd 2008, 12:52
It tifel tefa il gebla u heba idu. Stand up to be counted Dr Sant. Are you that weak that you cannot stand up to Dr Pullicino Orlando? Why did you not confront him when you had the opportunity? Dr PO was correct when he called you a chicken and a coward.
Stand up and be counted - some prime minister you would make - we need a PM with a spine not a child in adult clothing!
You credibility was nothing to write home about and now it is shot! The weakness of your character is there for all to see.
M Fenech
Mar 2nd 2008, 12:36
Sant 's mud slinging seems to be the only way for him to win votes, by using the negative and untruth to gain power, a role which he has already occupied and had to give up prematurely. Where are the those all important policies Dr Sant!
Joseph Arpa
Mar 2nd 2008, 12:29
Come on lets all get rid of the true MUD once and for all and send PN out of office where they all belong.GIGO I say. What do you expect Garbage In = Garbage Out !!
emanuele buttigieg
Mar 2nd 2008, 12:28
Dr Pullicino Orland is confirming that he owns the land but at the same time he is stating that he did not know the details of the project.
Allow me to quote a section 33(2) of the Development Planning Act which states:
“An applicant for development permission shall certify to the Authority that he is the owner of the site or that he has notified the owner of his intention to apply by registered letter of which a copy has been received by the Authority.”
MEPA should state whether or not they received or insisted to receive such letter.
Therefore for the permit to be a valid one the applicant should have informed Dr Pullicino Orland, if he was informed he had the right to object and took legal action against the person applying for such a development on his property. On the other hand, if the applicant did not inform Dr Pullicino Orland, the permit is illegal and should be repealed as was done in the case of the villa development at Ramla l-Hamra.
MEPA please act and not just issue irrelevant statements.
There is no playing with words here. The law says it all.
By the way, I looked at MEPA’s website and confirmed that this permit (PA 5880/05) was approved by the same DCC which has resigned on the 12th November 2007.as an Outline Permit. The Full Development Application (PA7752/07) has been submitted on the 20th December 2007 as soon as the outline permit was received by applicant.
E. Tabone
Mar 2nd 2008, 12:27
It seems that Paola (Demicoli) knows something that the electorate doesn't know "he was there to defend himself as he knew he had done wrong!!!!! "
If you know something, why don't you go the appropriate authority instead of insinuating allegations
like this here? If you have proof... do your duty... if you don't... keep your dignity and use your brain instead of repeating blindly what your leader implies.
clive demicoli
Mar 2nd 2008, 11:54
Alfred Sant's abusive way of doing politics is very apparent in the way he decided to attack Jeffery Pullicino Orlando. Even though Sant had all the chance in the world to say what he had to say in JPO's face, Sant decided to call a press conference at short notice so as not to allow JPO to be present to defend himself.
Andrew Sciberras
Mar 2nd 2008, 11:36
To all those who opine that Dr Sant chickened out by not stating what he did in the physical presence of Dr Pullicino Orlando– would you kindly inform me what further rights this would have given Cr Pullicino Orlando that he still doesn’t have? He can still sue Dr Sant for libel, he still has all his rights at law and no one is denying him these rights. The only advantage Dr Pullicino might have had by his physical presence was to stir up some form of physical trouble…which maybe explains why on the first occasion he was accompanied by not one but two Net News cameras. Dr Sant is a little more wise than a lot of people make him out to be.
JOHN SCERRI
Mar 2nd 2008, 11:02
If there is someone who anyone would think twice of accusing as being corrupt it is Dr.Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando. Accusing such a person of corrupt practices is like hitting against a brick wall.
Timing to make public all accusations against Jeffrey a few days before elections is cowardly.
MLP should get their facts right and be honest enough with their readers to publish the statement MEPA has promptly released and published to the media.
MLP 's normal practise of character assassination is now going too far to be considered honestly based of the true facts.
Shame on who managed to drive Dr.Sant in believing certain accusations. Shame on who is making doing so much harm to the MLP by means of character assasssination and hiding behind Dr.Sant's coat.
Dr. Sant should be intelligent enough - and i know he is - to ask the person/s to give him the whole facts before he is to make them public. In this way many court cases and waste of time can be eliminated.
The time has come where Political HONESTY MUST preveil and reader's intelligence must NOT be insulted any more.
People are not stupid all body no brain idiots with an IQ simliar to that of a microbe.
Accusations must be supported by facts -
NO FACTS = NONSENSE.
joe borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 10:59
Al buon intenditor poche parole. I must say JPO looks a proper clown running after Sant in this manner. Looks guilty too, how can he even try to deny? I say it again, this is the party I've voted for all these years. The abuse has become sickening. No way PN. I balk to think of five more years of this.
effie carbonato
Mar 2nd 2008, 10:51
Jeffrey we don't care about Mangion and Vella.we want to hear more how you described has a green politician applied or let a someone else apply for a permit in one of the most beautiful valleys this small country has.shame on you,by accusing the above said persons you have done nothing for me and people like me to rest our minds that people like you can do anything in this country.
Matthew Borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 10:33
Paola Demicoli: "Did Orlando previously say that he is attending Dr Sant's conferences to defend PN as a whole? ups... small mistake. he was there to defend himself as he knew he had done wrong!!!!!
Nationalists with some dignity and good feeling towards their country should join Labour and next Saturday Vote MLP! How could anybody who loves his country vote PN?!!!"
Perhaps the latter question should rephrased: How can people so ignorant and oblivious to the truth still believe Dr. Sant? Or dare I say its a grave sin that anyone on the MLP side is corrupt...
Edward Mifsud
Mar 2nd 2008, 10:00
Shame on you Jeffrey!! Who do you think you can fool. Someone from within the PN does not like you.
Marisa Borg
Mar 2nd 2008, 09:48
If Sant really believes in what he is accusing Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando with, he should have faced him. That is what real men do. Why isn't Sant ready to stand by what he is accusing JPO with?
Yet another reason why we shouldn't vote Sant. He's only good at hurling mud and insults and then literally run away from the mess. Well done Dr. Sant!
The only pity is that people like this NIcolette Buhagiar believe all this nonsense.
A true man, who believes in what he says, confronts his quarry and not run away from him.
David Farrugia
Mar 2nd 2008, 09:44
This is not about cowardice, this is about delivering the truth to the public in a wise way letting no one hijack your press conference. Bravo Dr. Sant. The facts are there for all to see now. If this is mud, I'll be having my first mud bath real soon! Your time is up GonziPN/JPO!!!!
Joe Galea
Mar 2nd 2008, 09:18
What an irony, the Green Man of The Year is involved in the raping of another natural area. He said he knows where the application has arrived to, then a minute later he denies he knows anything about this project. He missed the ferry because he was eating in a restaurant, just for your info. This land was marked by EU as Natura 2000. Another Ramla l-Hamra black comedy?
VOTE PN and WAVE BYE BYE to MALTA'S NATURAL AREAS.
PN claims to be a NATURE PALADIN by claiming to give us 5 bulbs!!! Where is AD now?
R C Conti
Mar 2nd 2008, 09:08
Why ruin another beautiful Maltese location?? Didn't we learn enough from Ta' Cenc, Hondoq, Wied Garnaw, Bajja l-Hamra...etc??? Why does JPO want to develop Mistra?? Isn't it enough that another gargantuan project is going on in the ex-Mista Village area?? Wake up Maltese people...We need a change!! Do not rely on people who care more on their pocket than about our environment.
Keith Zammit
Mar 2nd 2008, 08:05
How is it possible that your rented land is going to be developed and you as the owner do not know anything?
Paul Galea
Mar 2nd 2008, 00:29
Pullicino Orlando is so right to attack Alfred Sant as a coward when he cannot face those he accuses but rather throw mud at people who are not present to answer him directly .
Jeffrey offered him every opportunity to say what he wanted in his presence but Sant made sure that only he will have his 5 min. of fame !!
michael catania
Mar 1st 2008, 22:13
what was Pullicino Orlando doing with his goonies (minders for those who are not fluent in english) attending an Alfred Sant news conference. Was he trying to intimidate Alfred Sant as that is what it like to me.
alfred mallia
Mar 1st 2008, 21:47
according the onenews geffrey was have a lunch at gozo, this was the cause of the delay. also gef knows at which state the application is! is he involved or not. what is the truth?
Mario Gauci
Mar 1st 2008, 20:38
Day by day as election day draws nearer, Dr. Sant's credibility diminishes rapidly. How can you talk about corruption and at the same time try to avoid the person whom you are making allegations against. If you are so sure of yourself you should take up any corruption claims with the competent authorities.... But alas we all know that all you are good at is mud-slinging. The sooner the Labour party realises that with you at the helm, it will remain unelectable!
VictorJ. Bugeja
Mar 1st 2008, 19:50
Of course, I fully believe in what Pullicino Orlando remarked in his press conference at Mistra, that is, he is not going to intrude on his tenant’s intentions to erect a night club on an ODZ site owned by him. What he did not say during the press conference, is that he bought the property at Mistra for LM 12,000, and now following the planned development, his tenant intends to increase the value of Pullicino’s property to millions!!!. ‘Shame on you Jef’!!! Now I fully understand why Pullicino Orlando was in such a haste to confront Dr. Sant. I believe that the PN contender has now reached the highest peak of personal arrogance.
Mark Pisani
Mar 1st 2008, 19:19
Fredu Sant - what a man of courage hehehe
I am expecting Victor Laveira and Co to come about and say that this is proof that Pullicino Orlando is corrupt!!!
Dr. Sant is really stooping low in this campaign, I hope that, come March the 10th the Labour camp realise what a liability this man is and get rid of him so we can have a real 'option' at the next elections!!
Chris Micallef
Mar 1st 2008, 19:08
Is this another hoax by our friend Dr Sant ?
Corinne Vella
Mar 1st 2008, 18:54
What is Alfred Sant afraid of?
ALBERT FENECH
Mar 1st 2008, 18:40
I suppose this is another of Alfred Sant's "inventions", another figment of his fertile "imagination". Dr. Pullicino Orland has given his assurance that although he owns the land it has been rented to third parties and he does not actually know what they are doing! So that's that. It is taken for granted of course that we shall automatically believe Dr. Pullicino Orland. At this rate we shall ALL be assured of a place in heaven when we die. I mean it stands to reason - I am a dedicated environmentalist; I hire out prime heritage land to a third party but I can't even be bothered to know what they intend to do with it. Oh well .....
Kenneth Bowman
Mar 1st 2008, 18:37
Finally somebody has called Sant's Bluff!!! If Sant truly believed in these allegations then he would have accused Pullicino Orlando of corruption when the latter was present.
Why did he feel the need to run away from Jeffrey? Why didn't he have the guts to face him? He had all the time to do so yesterday and this morning.
Joseph Micallef
Mar 1st 2008, 18:34
This tragicomic event proves that within the MLP there are high ranking people who are ready to inform PN about own party's "strategy" and that Alfred Sant is a coward
- And because he is a coward he most probably is also saying untruths.
Nicolette Buhagiar
Mar 1st 2008, 18:01
Surely another valid reason to vote for change. We are fed up with this arrogant government ... Malta deserves better.
M. Camilleri
Mar 1st 2008, 17:41
Unbelievable! Alfred Sant did exactly what J. Pullicino Oralndo predicted he would do in this talking point of today's issue of The Times. A Sant has no political decency in facing the persons he accuses. He had this opportunity and did not use it, twice! And again, if he has facts and facts upon facts about corruption, why doesn't he go the Police Comm or to the Comm against Corruption? Either his claims are unfounded or he has absolutely no guts. He is waiting to be elected so that he will become the judge and jury and do investigations "his own way". By calling a press conference with such a short notice, shows cowardice and not political correctness. He would not accept to be challenged by JPO in public!
Fleur Hili
Mar 1st 2008, 17:33
You have no GUTS Dr.Sant!!!
Mud sling is name of his game,no more no less!
How can you trust a man that has no future planed for Malta except to publicly slander people, but does not have the GUTS to face them???
Anthony Mizzi
Mar 1st 2008, 17:24
Well it appears that Dr. Pullicino Orland is not the Green Man he is made out to be and seems to prefer nightclub life to green pastures.
Can simple bequestions be answered?
Has Dr. Pullicino Orland title over
2,000 square metres where the night club at Mistra Bay is proposed?
Yes or No.
If yes , is he in agreement? Stop waiting for Dr. Sant and make out a"true" statement on the current status of the land in question and proposals on it.
It appears that a permit was issued despite opposition from environmental authorities, the Department of Agriculture, and the Mepa executive board itself.
It appears that this land is so sensitive that it is protected under various environmental regulations. It consists of saline marshes, a rare natural habitat, and is scheduled as an ‘Area of Ecological Importance’ and a ‘Site of Scientific Importance’ (SSI). Moreover, it is also protected under the EU’s Birds and Habitats Directives, as it is recognised as a candidate ‘Natura 2000’ site.
Just do it Dr. Pullicino Orland, we are not waiting fopr Dr Sant to give out the information but we want it fromthe horse's mouth.
Albert Gauci Cunningham
Mar 1st 2008, 17:07
If Dr.Sant wanted to mudsling Jeffrey P Orlando why didn't he do it to his face??..........Because as Jeffrey said Sant is a coward who wants to gain power by throwing mud while ALL (except those who phoned Jeff of course!!) his supporters watch in glee!!!!.......And then they acted scandalised due to a couple of booes........SHAME SHAME SHAME!!!!!
Maria Farrugia
Mar 1st 2008, 17:06
Truly scandalous...
What will Gonzi do now?
Revoke the permit?
Sack his environment spokesman Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando?
Say he is in favour of destroying a Natura 2000 site?
Hope our green NGOs rise up to the occasion!!
malcolm seychell
Mar 1st 2008, 16:50
On the eve of a general election such permits should not be granted.
Another blow for PN and MEPA
Paola Demicoli
Mar 1st 2008, 16:33
Did Orlando previously say that he is attending Dr Sant's conferences to defend PN as a whole? ups... small mistake. he was there to defend himself as he knew he had done wrong!!!!!
Nationalists with some dignity and good feeling towards their country should join Labour and next Saturday Vote MLP! How could anybody who loves his country vote PN?!!!
Roberta Formosa
Mar 1st 2008, 16:23
Dirt, Dirt and more Dirt.
Victoer Laiviera
Mar 1st 2008, 16:04
Can one apply for a building permit on rented land?
Just asking ......
Dion Borg
Mar 1st 2008, 15:57
Can we get Carmel Cacopardo to get to the end of this.....both the cat and the mouse need to have a dog to bark when either are up to something!
John Schembri
Mar 1st 2008, 15:56
Dr Sant is only good at mudslinging , if there was any need of proof , you have it!
Dr Pullicino Orlando on the other hand was not afraid of Dr.Sant's cowardly acts .Dr Sant does not have what it takes to face Jeffery , and accuse him of corruption in his presence.
Shame on the so called journalists of the MLP Media who were accomplices in hiding the Truth instead of searching for it.
By using this Machiavellian strategy the MLP have only shown Malta how low they can stoop , to get some cheap propaganda for their diehard supporters.
"Dr Sant at 60 you should not continue playing cat and mouse!"
"Jeff , keep breathing down his neck , don't let go."
David Farrugia
Mar 1st 2008, 15:44
Oh, come on Jeff! You own land, you rent it to 3rd parties, they apply for and are granted a permit (in one of Malta's most scenic and untouched areas) and you don't have any idea about it!!. Were the permits issued by the same people who just resigned from MEPA, by any chance? I smell a dead fish here.
Vincent Ellul
Mar 1st 2008, 15:26
It just confirms how coward and chicken Dr.Sant is in not facing Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando. As we now all know Dr. Sant is ONLY interested to throw mud in the hope that some of it might stick.
Mark A. Vassallo
Mar 1st 2008, 15:20
This confirms that the Labour has ran out of ideas and the only to make it on the 8th of March is by trying to blemish the PN candidates. I agree with Dr. Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando in calling Dr. Sant coward, he can only accuse PN candidates on corruption in their absence. The Labour still has this habit of trying to brain wash people. Why should they persist that the PN is trying to put a charge on health services when Gonzi had 4 years to implement the measure which had been suggested and which had been rubbished immeadiately. Then we were not on the eve of an election!!!
Look at the MLP's billboard campaign. Now they had to resort to copying the PN billboards and adding that Gonzi is taking you for a ride. What do you want more if Dr. Gonzi is saying he will resign should health services be given at a charge.
Over the last couple of weeks we have seen the true Labour, how intolerant they are to those who do not agree with them. Vote for PN for a Bidu Gdid for Labour, we truly need it.
Rupert Cefai
Mar 1st 2008, 15:10
Could Dr. Pullicino Orlando explain how is it possible that someone applies for a development permit on his land without him knowing about it? As far as I know you need the signature of the land’s owner on any MEPA application or else the application is not valid.
Edward Cassar
Mar 1st 2008, 15:08
Well, well, well. A PN candidate, a rising star, a Gonzi protege, who rents his land and does not have a clue that a large discoteque was going to be built on it. Let's for a moment forget Sant's claims, if Mr Pullicino Orlando, as he insists, did not know what was going on on his personal property, how shall we entrust him with taking care of the whole Maltese Islands in the next PN government if re-elected?