GRACE POE: PROTECT PUBLIC INTEREST IN CEBU AIRPORT PROJECT

Sen. Grace Poe underscored the need to protect the nation's highest interest in carrying out the expansion of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu City.

"Our airports provide the international community the first crucial glimpse of our country and strongly mirror our progress," Poe said.

On March 25, Poe attended a public hearing of the Senate committee on public services on the MCIA expansion project and its participating bidders.

Poe inquired from Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III if key stakeholders have been consulted on the P17.5-billion airport project.

"The bottomline is that our airport should be about services, how it will aid progress and how it can be a source of pride to Cebuanos," Poe stressed.

"It is important that we feel a sense of ownership of this undertaking, especially among Cebuanos who take pride in their world-class design," Poe said.

In response, Davide said, "The Cebuanos believe that this project is very important and long overdue. We expect tourist arrivals to increase with the completion of this project. We hope the issues involving the bidders will be resolved soon."

"It is our keen interest that we go the extra mile and ensure that our people will be truly proud of this airport," Poe added.

Poe emphasized the need for public involvement to ensure transparency and accountability in government contracts, as highlighted by the Freedom of Information bill passed by the Senate on March 10. Poe, as chair of the Senate committee on public information and mass media, sponsored the measure.

The airport project involves the construction of a new passenger terminal building in MCIA as well as the operation and maintenance of the old and new facilities.