San Miguel Airport project will not “take off” without PRA’s notice to proceed – group
Manila, Philippines – It seems that the groundbreaking project of business tycoon and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) President Ramon Ang not only lacks an environmental compliance certificate (ECC), but also failed to secure a notice to proceed (NTP) from the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), according to the militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) on Friday.
The Bulacan Aerotropolis project, which will accommodate the New Manila International Airport (NMIA), is a 2,500-hectare reclamation SMC project to be constructed in the coastal town of Bulakan, Bulacan province.
According to PAMALAKAYA, SMC has yet to secure an ECC from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for its airport project, but for “land development” of its enigmatic constructor called the Silvertides Holdings.
But moreover, the fisherfolk group said that the PRA itself has denied knowledge on the aerotropolis project, and even admitted that it didn’t release an NTP, a final document for the implementation of the actual reclamation works.
“Not only this project lacks of environmental permit, but also the final and most crucial document from the PRA. This means that the aerotropolis project is a no-go, contrary to the announcement of Mr. Ramong Ang that its construction would likely to proceed by the end of the year. Given the absence of essential documents and failing to undergo through required legal procedures, the expected take-off of this airport is highly improbable. The drum beating of this project now appears speculative, or presumptuous that is a done deal,” Fernando Hicap, PAMALAKAYA National Chairperson said in a statement.
PAMALAKAYA challenges high officials of the PRA to issue an official statement denying the SMC and even its contractor Silvertides Holdings to conduct reclamation activity in Bulacan and in any other parts of Manila Bay. ###
