Explain SARO lapse for Bicol airport, DOTr told

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Albay Rep. Joey Salceda wants the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to explain why it allowed the special allotment release order (SARO) for Phase 2B of the Bicol International Airport to lapse. 

Salceda said allowing the SARO to lapse would delay the completion of the project for another three to six months because the DOTr had to rebid it.  

Phase 2B covers the passenger terminal building, which is being targeted for completion in 2019.

“They knew all along that the P400 million SARO would expire. They should have sought the assistance of the Government Procurement Policy Board of the Department of Budget and Management. But for some reason, they merrily allowed the SARO to lapse, forcing the failure of bidding, which would undermine the President’s commitment to deliver the completed international airport in three years,” Salceda said.

“Gross incompetence is insidious, ingrained, inbred and virtually intentional,” he added.

Salceda said funding for the construction of the airport was included in the national budget as early as 2005.

He said the airport should have been completed last year, but the Aquino administration froze the project for three years.

President Duterte approved a P4.7-billion funding and gave instructions to finish the project in three years. He also led the groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 8.