Press Release
October 8, 2015

Trillanes urges DOTC to expedite the Bicol airport project

Senator Antonio F. Trillanes IV has expressed the sentiment of his fellow Bicolanos on the reported delay in the completion of the Bicol International Airport (BIA) project of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in Albay.

In a letter sent by Trillanes to DOTC Secretary Emilio Jun Abaya, he lamented that the full completion of the Bicol International Airport is highly anticipated by the Bicolanos, especially since it has been heralded as part of the centerpiece projects of the Aquino administration in the region.

"I believe that this facility will not only provide the Bicolanos a convenient gateway to the rest of the world, but also create a new chapter in the development of our region as it promises to bring in foreign investments, create employment opportunities and spur vital tourist traffic to our region," said Trillanes, who traces his roots to Ligao, Albay, where his late father Antonio Sr. grew up.

It was reported that the completion of the project has been delayed due to technicality problems with the bidding and awarding of contract. The construction of the facility was said to be successfully bid out last January, but due to the disqualification of the winning bidder, no construction was able to begin. Moreover, the target completion was moved to 2019 because the contract for the runway extension and the passenger terminal building has not been awarded yet.

Trillanes further noted that since the current administration is already on its final year, any further delay in the implementation of this project will most certainly result to the side-tracking of the project, at least until the next President is elected and is able to organize his cabinet and determine his own programs and priorities, which would mean an estimated delay of one to three years in the implementation of the project.

"I urge DOTC to take decisive steps to resume the immediate implementation of the Bicol International Airport Project. I believe we owe it to the people of Bicol to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure that the Administration has promised to them," Trillanes emphasized.

News Latest News Feed