Continuous budget for int'l airport assured

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

The New Iloilo Airport Development Project is assured of a continuous budget.

“I talked to the Department of Budget (and Management) last week, and I will make sure that the 2006 budget will have appropriation so that we can finish our international airport on schedule by October or December of 2006,” Senate President Franklin Drilon assured Sunday during an interview with the media.

Budget Secretary Emilia Boncodin, Drilon said, has 'committed what is necessary' to the project.

“I want to make sure that at least 85% of the budget (of the project) will be (ready) by the end of the year,” the Senator said.

The airport project, which is situated in the Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan area, costs P6.5 billion.

To note, the construction of the airport started middle of 2002.

Japanese firm Taisei-Shimitzu undertakes the multi-billion project.

Although saddled by a myriad of controversial issues, the implementation of the project, fortunately, has not been affected.

The House of Representatives committee on good government headed by Rep. Arthur Defensor himself assured that the legislative investigation they are conducting would not affect the implementation of the airport project.

The move to investigate the P6.5 billion airport project was an offshoot of the expose of third district Board Member Manny Gallar.

The house probe would ascertain the validity and propriety of airport-related transactions entered into by Gov. Tupas and the local government units (LGUs) of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara.

To note, the Lower House conducted a congressional inquiry on the airport project last year with former second district Rep. Augusto Syjuco as complainant.

The investigation stopped after Syjuco joined Tupas' party in May elections.