New airport project overpriced by P2B says Gonzalez

By Florence F. Hibionada
Correspondent

An 'assessment' is now being made on the New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) in Cabatuan. This, after a reported P2 billion-overprice as allegedly disclosed by a top official of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to former Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Jr.

In an interview with local reporters Sunday, Gonzales shared said information while adding his belief that even if realized, the controversial airport will be one 'white elephant.'

"History will judge us. Don't blame me when that happens," he said. "Personally I am against this project because of too much cost but what can we do now? It is already there and the government has spent a lot of money. The government is already committed to it so let us finish it." And it is the "international air-pork" not "international airport," the former Justice Secretary added in jest.

While no particulars were further released by Gonzales in support of the P2-B overprice claim, Ilonggo solon, First District Representative Janette Loreto-Garin said the report came as no suprise at all.

"I have long heard that from Congressman Jing Paras," Garin said in a The News Today interview. Paras chaired the Committee on Transportation and Communication with the report heard in one of the previous hearings made by the committee on the issue. "So I am not really surprised of the information nor the amount because since then, we were told of the P2 billion amount. Now it is up to our ongoing investigation where we hope to find answers and clarifications on that report and the others made thus far relative to the construction of the new airport."

To note, concerns were lodged to Congress on the alleged irregularities and anomalies surrounding the multi-billion project. In the public hearings called by the Committee on Good Government, key figures in the Iloilo Provincial Government headed by Governor Niel Tupas and various government agencies were asked to shed light on the matter.

The probe has since touched on the quarry operations criticized because of the alleged favored quarry permittees, the undelivered promises to affected people and the problems surrounding the project and relocation sites.

The airport probe resumes next month.