Press Release
August 3, 2008

REVILLA TO PROBE CAVITE ROAD PROJECT

In response to public uproar, Senator Bong Revilla today bared that he will conduct a senate inquiry over the alleged slow construction of the R1 Expressway Extension Project in Cavite .

The senator said he will particularly summon the officials of UEM-Mara Philippine Corporation, the project's contracting firm, to find out if it still have the financial capabilities to finish the infrastructure.

"If they can not finish the project, it would be better that the government takes over. The delayed completion of the project aggravates the livelihood of our fisher folks," said Revilla.

Revilla cited the complaint of the fishermen that during high tides, it is very hard for them to navigate their boats when passing the viaduct which serves as their gateway through the reclaimed road.

According to the senator, it is reported that until now some of the families affected by the construction were not yet paid in full amount as promised by the DPWH.

Revilla said he will also determine in the senate probe if there is a suitable relocation site which should include availability of basic domestic necessities such as electricity and water.

The lawmaker assured the coastal residents that he will exert all efforts as chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Works to ensure that they will be properly relocated and compensated.

However, he appealed to the affected families not to be misled on the government's objective on building the project which is to deliver further progress not only to a single city or town but to the Cavite province.

"The apprehension of the coastal residents is valid. They will be far from their livelihood. As a fellow Caviteño, among my sincerest interest is to alleviate the plight of my kababayans. I will see to it that the government will not abandon its accountability to them," Revilla said.

Meanwhile, Bacoor Mayor Strike Revilla disclosed that the city government has offered to take care of the right-of-way payments for the affected families.

"We already sent few months ago a formal letter to the DPWH expressing our intention to bear the payment in connection with the right-of-way. Until now, we are waiting for their response," Mayor Revilla explained.

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