Senator Cynthia Villar slammed the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) on how it handled construction projects.
Villar aired her experiences during the Senate’s plenary session.
She recalled that they purchased 1,500-square meter land worth P78 million from the PRA during the pandemic to build a hospital.
However, the PRA did not allow the construction of the hospital since the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has not given them money.
“I just want to inquire why this Philippine Reclamation Authority is not serving our country for [the] public good?” she asked.
“So, I’m asking this question: Why these things happen in government? Hindi ba ‘pag government-to-government, wala nang problema ‘yan? Bakit kailangan niya pa makita ‘yung pera ng DBM bago niya ma-start ‘yung hospital namin?” she added.
Villar cited another example where they bought land from the PRA to construct a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district office.
They were again banned from erecting the office amid the DPWH’s P4-billion debt to the PRA in connection with the Cavite Expressway.
“Gusto niya bayaran muna ‘yung P4 billion bago kami i-allow mag-build ng district office doon sa lupa na binili namin sa kanya by DPWH. Tama ba ‘yun?” Villar questioned.
Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva assured Villar that budget deliberations on Thursday will tackle her concerns.
— Ronald Espartinez