Palace: GMA’s IPP deals ‘aboveboard, transparent’

Malacañang assured the people yesterday all contracts entered into by the government are aboveboard and transparent.

Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao made the statement in reaction to the challenge made by former senator Juan Ponce Enrile for Malacañang to explain a $200-million investment deal with an American company.

Enrile said President Arroyo should publicly disclose the circumstances of the contract made by the government with independent power producer Sunpower Corp. to supply 150 megawatts from a solar energy plant.

"All the contracts, except if there are others, such that concerns all the contracts of the Department of Energy and the National Power Corp. (Napocor) are available to the public," Tiglao said.

Tiglao suggested to Enrile to make the proper request to Napocor. "I’m not sure if there are power project(s) where the contract is with the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). Some other power projects are being handled by the Napocor," he said.

Tiglao said Napocor would be glad to assist Enrile and provide the former opposition senator with copies of all its contracts upon request.

He pointed out the government is mandated by law to disclose all contracts and other government transactions to the public.

"We cannot keep any secret contract with the government or any government agency," Tiglao said. – Jose Rodel Clapano