Makabayan solons to question China deal for Chico River project at SC

MANILA, Philippines — Makabayan lawmakers are poised to question before the Supreme Court (SC) the constitutionality of the $62-million Chico River Pump Irrigation Loan Agreement forged between the Philippines and China in April 2018.

Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao said Thursday they are set to lodge a declaratory relief petition at the SC as they believe the Chico River project was “onerous.” He also pointed out the loan package for the project has “dangerous provisions” that could lead to a “total sell-out of national sovereignty.”

The Chico River Pump Irrigation is the first flagship infrastructure project to be financed by China under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program.

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“Talagang meron na kaming nakikitang paglabag sa Konstitusyon (We’re really seeing violations to the Constitution). And on April 3, we will be filing a declaratory relief petition to the Supreme Court forcing the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) to rescind, umalis (leave), kumalas sa isang (detach from an) onerous (deal)… sa isang (from a) dangerous provision that will result to our total sell out of national sovereignty,” Casilao said.

Casilao added they would also study the possibility of questioning the other projects funded through official development assistance (ODA) from foreign countries.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio also urged the government to disclose all contracts entered into by the Philippines with other countries, noting how the Chico River deal follows the template of Chinese loans with countries like Sri Lanka and Ecuador – which he said had been victimized by China’s infamous debt trap.

Casilao, however, was quick to debunk speculations that the opposition Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives could only be using the issue to gain exposure for Makabayan senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares in the run-up to the May 13 midterm elections.

“With or without election, pumasok ang gobyerno sa mga kasunduang ito at tila baga ibinenta ng ating gobyerno ang ating pambansang soberanya (the government entered into these agreements and it seems our government has sold our national sovereignty) … We will question this regardless of the outcome of the elections,” he said.

READ: Colmenares to question Kaliwa Dam project before SC

According to the Department of Finance (DOF) website, the Chico River Pump Irrigation project covers the “installation of electric motor-driven pumps, the construction of pumping station and appurtenant structures, and the construction of irrigation canals, facilities, and other appurtenant structures.”

The project aims to “irrigate around 8,700 hectares, benefitting about 4,350 farmers, thereby serving 21 barangays from Tuao and Piat in Cagayan and Pinukpuk in Kalinga,” according to DOF. /kga