DIA modernization project author reminded to observe BOT Law

VP Sara encourages local leaders to uphold integrity, unite in service

Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday urged local leaders to uphold integrity and practice unity to realize true public service, as her political party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) continues to expand.

In a speech, Duterte said membership in the Lakas-CMD entails the burden of public service and accountability.

“Today, we are reminded of our noble duty to uphold the highest degree of integrity and accountability in all our public pursuits. By accepting to become a member of a political party, we also accept the challenge to work in unity towards a common goal -the welfare of the people we serve,” she said.

Duterte made the statement during the joint Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte Lakas-CMD mass oathtaking at the Tagum City Historical and Cultural Center.

She reiterated that unity in leadership, down to local governance, would mean warm recog- nition and development in the country despite diversity across cultures and ideologies.

“With a united political party, we can navigate the path to inclusive growth, and espouse good governance that sees beyond political colors and principles,” she added.

Duterte also recalled the administration’s eight-point economic agenda to point the targeted direction for the country within its sixyear term.

Partnership with IBP

Meanwhile, Duterte expressed her gratitude to Supreme Court justices for giving her advice on a possible partnership between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

In another speech during the 50th founding anniversary of the IBP, Duterte, being the concurrent education chief, said she considers their advice to aid educators in legal matters.

“I sought their advice on how to help our pub-

FVP, P6

By MAYA M. PADILLO

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11) regional office reminded Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corporation (CLIHC) on Friday to adhere to the revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) Law for their unsolicited bid for the operation, expansion, capacity, augmentation, and maintenance of the Davao International Airport (DIA).

It can be recalled that CLIHC’s, which is under Udenna Corporation of Dabawenyo businessman Dennis Uy, said the unso- licited proposal was remanded back to the proponent by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) because of the revised 2022

IRR of the BOT Law.

“So it has to conform again with the revised IRR of the DoTr. Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corporation was requested to submit a revised proposal according to the revised 2022 IRR of the BOT Law. There is no deadline and it is really the call of the proponent when to submit the revised guideline. Suffice it to say that they should be compliant with the revised IRR,” NEDA 11 regional director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said during Kapihan sa PIA at NCCC-Victoria Plaza on Fri- day.

Lim added that the framework as contained in the revised IRR should be more transparent to evaluate and implement the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects under the BOT Law.

“The greatest value and reduction of risks to both government and the private partner should be in place,” she said.

CLIHC was given the status of original proponent in 2018. The project includes expanding the