DOTr says ‘no deliberate delay’ in Bulacan airport project

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday denied that the construction of the $15-billion Bulacan International Airport project is being delayed deliberately, noting that they “trust the review of the concession deal” for the airport.

“DOTr maintains there is no deliberate delay in the start of actual construction of the Bulacan International Airport project,” read the statement.

DOTr explained that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently reviewing the concession agreement for the maintenance of the upcoming airport to ensure that the contract will “faithfully serve the interest of the Filipino people.”

DOTr added that there were no objections to the concession deal but there is a need to clarify “phrasing of provisions on material adverse government action.”

The transportation department said the review will reduce risks of contracts that could become onerous to the government and the public.

“The DOTr fully supports initiatives that reduce the risk of future complications wherein contracts are exposed as disadvantageous, or worse – onerous – to the government and to the people,” it said.

The airport project’s ground breaking set this December was put on hold to give way for DOJ’s pending review of the concession deal.