'Surprise witness' up as House airport probe nears end
Iloilo -- Saving the best for the last?
So it seems in the ongoing Congressional probe of the New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP), the last one or two public hearings set next week. With major Capitol figures and key players in the multi-billion airport construction called thus far, the Committee on Good Government chaired by Ilonggo Representative Arthur Defensor (Third District, Iloilo) is reportedly expecting yet another important resource person.
While no specifics were released on the matter, sources told The News Today much is awaited from the testimony and accounts of this 'surprise witness.' And it will validate a lot of loose information as well as strengthen earlier statements from the initial resource persons even as the Committee maintains, its recommendations will solely be based on hard facts and solid testimonies.
The airport probe as called for seeks to ascertain the validity of the claims lodged against the government and implementing agencies of the P6.8 billion new airport deal.
Thus far, the House probe has heard opposing views of the parties involved amidst the nagging allegations of fraud, massive corruption and widespread anomalies surrounding the project implementation.
In an interview, Representative Defensor said all remaining probes will definitely be held in Manila dousing speculations of a comeback here in the city. To note, calls for a 'take-two' abound throughout Iloilo particularly from project affected people and the direct stakeholders of the project.
Next probe is set on December 7th.