To help decongest Metro Manila and boost regional development, Bong Go supports new international airport in Bulacan

Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go co-sponsored House Bill No. 7507, granting San Miguel Aerocity Inc. a franchise to construct, develop, establish, operate, and maintain a domestic and international airport and its adjacent airport city in Bulakan, Bulacan.

During the Senate regular session on Wednesday, September 30, Go reiterated that the construction of the new airport will help decongest Metro Manila's traffic and provide employment to Filipino people, especially now with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This project is a prime example of how the public and private sectors can work hand in hand in building a better future for our people," Go said in his manifestation of support for San Miguel's efforts.

"Like I said, this will go a long way towards providing jobs and other economic opportunities outside Metro Manila, and will help decongest our urban areas. Napakarami pong matutulungan ng pagtayo ng airport na ito," he added.

He also emphasized that the construction of the new airport will also complement the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program, which aims to encourage Metro Manila residents to explore better economic opportunities and start anew in their home provinces.

"Napakarami pong matutulungan ng pagpatayo ng airport na ito. This is also in line with the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program na aking isinusulong para mahikayat magbalik probinsya ang ating mga kababayan. Kasama na rito ang pag-improve ng imprastraktura, pagbibigay ng trabaho, pag-angat ng antas ng buhay sa mga karatig-lugar at pag-decongest ng Metro Manila," Go said.

"The establishment of this airport will help us realize these goals," he added.

While he expressed his support, Go reminded proponents of the project to ensure that laws, rules and regulations related to the construction of the new airport in Bulacan shall be observed and followed.

"Dinidiin ko lamang po na dapat ma-obserbahan at masunod ang mga batas, rules and regulations when it comes to the environment, labor, and all other pertinent laws," he said.

Go also commended the main sponsor, Senator Grace Poe, for her commitment to these measures and expressed that he will help coordinate with executive agencies to ensure that the objectives of the project is realized in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

"Your request is duly noted, madame sponsor, and we will do what we can do to support you in achieving these objectives. Having said that, I wish to convey my intention to co-sponsor this measure," he said.

During his speech, Go also expressed his support for extending the franchise of Davao Light and Power Company, which provides electricity needs of its consumers under the leadership of Aboitiz Corporation.

Previously, the Senator has expressed his support for the construction of the airport in Bulacan. "I just want to very briefly state that I fully support the move to open a new airport in Bulacan, thanks to the efforts of San Miguel Corporation," Go said during the public hearing.

"As pointed out by our fellow Senators Villanueva and Gatchalian, who know very well of the desires of the people of Bulacan and its neighboring provinces, this will go a long way towards providing jobs and other economic opportunities outside of Manila," Go previously said.

"And, of course, to decongest traffic sa Maynila. Matagal na rin po natin itong inaasam," he added.

The privately funded airport project will include a passenger terminal building with airside and landside facilities, and an 8.4-km tollway to serve as airport access connecting to North Luzon Expressway in Marilao, Bulacan.