THE construction of internationally certified sports facilities in New Clark City was done in a completely above board and legal manner.
Thus stated the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in a press statement issued on Tuesday, November 10, 2020.
The agency clarified that the project was based on the advice of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the favorable opinion issued by the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC) in October 2018.
The ADB advised that a joint venture agreement for the said construction is the most advantageous arrangement for the government, according to the BCDA, adding that this recommendation was also approved and confirmed by the OGCC.
The BCDA said there was no undue advantage accorded to MTD Capital Berhad as its unsolicited proposal underwent a rigorous negotiation process and a competitive challenge.
The joint venture agreement between BCDA and MTD passed the scrutiny of applicable Philippine laws, rules and regulations, it added.
The New Clark City sports facilities were built in record time and were the country's first modern sports facilities constructed since the 1930s, the BCDA said.
"Its world-class quality brought great pride and honor not only to our national athletes but to the entire Filipino community who witnessed the historic hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games," the government agency said in the press release.
BCDA officials also expressed gratitude to Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III and Senator Pia Cayetano for recognizing the importance of the New Clark City sports facilities to the country's present and future generations of athletes.
Both senators emphasized how Filipino athletes finally have their training ground that is of Olympic standards that can further boost their performance in competitions.
As a government institution, the BCDA said it is committed to being at the forefront of delivering sustainable and inclusive projects "that our countrymen can truly be proud of."