Gov’t seeks legal mechanism to speed up completion of NAIA 3

The Arroyo administration is trying to find a legal mechanism that will allow it to finish the construction of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, open and operate it, while working out compensation agreement with the Philippine International Airport Terminal Co. (Piatco).

It is estimated that the government will spend $100 million more to complete the new airport.

This was revealed over the weekend by Trade Secretary Manuel Roxas II who has been tasked by President Arroyo, along with Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza and Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon, to oversee the NAIA-3 issue with Piatco.

Roxas said they have met with all parties involved, including the Chengs, Fraport of Germany, and the Japanese suppliers and contractors.

According to Roxas, "we have taken the information provided us and are now developing a possible mechanism to move the project forward."

He added: "We’ve asked the solicitor-general to write it into a formal pleading or document for presentation to the court."

Government, Roxas said, wants court approval for whatever mechanism it will take to finish construction, open and operate NAIA-3 even while the government is still in the process of reaching an agreement with Piatco and Fraport on their "just" compensation for what they spent for the new international airport.

Roxas was quick to point out though that what they are currently exploring is just "one possible route."

Government, Roxas estimates, still needs to shell out an additional $100 million to complete NAIA-3 which has not been completed by Piatco following the dispute over its management of the new airport facility.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Roxas said, would operate the new airport although government may bid out anew the completion of the construction of the facility.

Government had successfully won its case in the Supreme Court against Piatco over the onerous management contract Piatco had gotten to construct and operate the new airport facility.

The SC nullified the government’s contract with Piatco and government is now negotiating with Piatco and Fraport for "just" compensation of what Piatco and Fraport had spent to construct the new airport.

In the meantime, though, government wants to be able to finish, open and operate the new facility as soon as possible.