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Monday, September 11, 2006
Arroyo elated over gov’t takeover of airport terminal
MANILA -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Sunday announced she would have lunch with some officials at the new terminal of Ninoy Aquino International upon her return next from her trip abroad.
Arroyo was happy when she learned of the Court of Appeal's (CA) decision allowing the government to operate the airport facility.
"When the President learned of the decision, she remarked: 'Good. In that case, we will have lunch at the Terminal 3 when we come back'," said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye.
Arroyo left on Saturday for a nine-day visit to Helsinki in Finland, Brussels in Belgium, London in the United Kingdom, Havana in Cuba, and Hawaii. She is expected to return at 1 p.m. on September 18.
Bunye, who is also the Presidential spokesman, hoped they would open for business the airport's Terminal 3 by the end of the year after the CA lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) on government paying P3 billion to Philippine International Air Terminal Co. (Piatco).
"We welcome the decision of the CA on the fate of the Naia-Terminal 3 and we are confident that the expropriation process will take its proper course. We are looking forward to the opening of the facility," he said.
He said the opening of the terminal would be very historic and at the same time would boost the country's economy.
He also said the sovereign interest of the people would be the guiding mandate of the government as it resolves all legitimate commercial interests in a fair and transparent manner.
Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs Manuel Gaite said the payment would be made Monday at the Pasay Regional Trial Court (RTC).
Gaite hoped for the issuance of a writ of possession to government after the payment. He said they would then start preparations for the opening of the terminal.
Budget Secretary Ronaldo Andaya Jr. said the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) would oversee the payment.
Andaya said the MIAA has enough funds to pay the consortium that built the terminal.
The CA has upheld the argument of the solicitor general that the Supreme Court (SC) had already decided on the case by affirming the right of Piatco to be paid P3 billion. The CA Eighth Division lifted the TRO late Friday afternoon. (JMR/Sunnex)
(September 11, 2006 issue)
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