P100-million for a feasibility study? Rep. Magsaysay questions outlay for Clark airport

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines -- A senior opposition lawmaker on Friday questioned the P100-million budget allotted by the Department of Transportation and Communication for a feasibility study on the Clark International Airport.

Zambales Representative Mitos Magsaysay called the amount “excessive” and said the government should justify how it will spend the money.

“There is nothing wrong in ensuring that the country will invest wisely in the airport, but isn’t P100 million too much for conducting this study? What are they planning to do with the money and who will be conducting this feasibility?” she asked.

Magsaysay raised the questions amid reports a separate P12-billion fund is being proposed for the second phase of the terminal’s expansion plan.

There may be ways to cut the cost of the feasibility study so the funds may be allocated to other government projects, she said.

“Is there no way to lower the budget for the feasibility? Are they hiring foreign consultants to do it? Because as far as I know, there are a lot of competent local firms who could take on the project at a fraction of the cost, and do the job as effectively,” she said.

“There is nothing wrong with spending, but there is something to be said of spending wisely,” Magsaysay added.

The Clark International Airport Corporation, which manages the terminal, has said that the feasibility study would focus primarily on the creation of an international passenger terminal.

The budget was reportedly approved by the DOTC on July 9.

 Clark International Airport registered a 54-percent increase in passenger volume in the first half of 2012. 

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