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Friday, August 17, 2007
Group says there is no halting expressway opening
By Albert B. Lacanlale
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A Central Luzon advocacy group said Thursday that attempts of some sectors to block the forthcoming opening of the P21 billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) would amount to nothing.
"They should instead help in pushing development programs for their region," said lawyer Rafael dela Torre, chief advocacy director of CPI Organizational Studies and Advocacy (Cosa). He was alluding to several groups reportedly threatening to block the opening of the government's flagship project.
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The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) assured it would comply with all commitments stipulated in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) it forged earlier with the Concepcion Municipal Government in Tarlac.
"Government infrastructure projects such as SCTEx are clothed with immunity from court-issued injunctions or restraining orders," dela Torre said.
He pointed out that under the law, no private person or entity can file a petition for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against an infrastructure project of the government.
"It would therefore be an exercise in futility to try to secure a TRO with the court in an attempt to block the opening of SCTEx," said dela Torre.
He criticized some sectors influencing farmers groups to stage protest actions against the 94-kilometer tollway, saying "national economic growth and progress should never be held hostage by personal interest and selfish motives."
"Let us look at SCTEx within the larger perspective of the Luzon Urban Beltway and in the context of the super region being envisioned by the Arroyo administration," he pointed out.
The state-run BCDA disclosed it has already awarded the contract for the construction of service roads and overpasses in areas affected by SCTEx in compliance with its commitments under the MOA with the Concepcion Municipal Government.
BCDA officials also said the funds for these projects have been allocated and ready for release when needed.
"We will comply with our commitments (under the MOA)," the BCDA said in a bid to allay the farmers' apprehensions.
Package 2 of SCTEx -- the stretch from Clark to Tarlac -- is expected to open by November this year. SCTEx package 1, according to reports, will open within the first quarter of 2008. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (August 17, 2007 issue)
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