Drilon says Piatco compensation up to courts

MANILA, Philippines - Senate President Franklin Drilon hinted yesterday that the government should abide by the Court of Appeals (CA) decision that it should pay the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (Piatco) over $371 million in just compensation for the construction of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

“It is an issue of how much should the government compensate Piatco and that is a matter that is within the competence of the judiciary to determine... If the government is not satisfied with the judgment, then the government can go to the Supreme Court to determine what a just compensation is,” Drilon said.

The Senate chief added that he is “sure the government is bringing it up to Supreme Court.”

Sen. Gregorio Honasan also called on President Aquino to accept defeat in the government’s legal battle against Piatco.

Honasan said the government should immediately decide on the matter rather than bring the issue before the Supreme Court “which will take more years” to decide on the case to the detriment of the government because of the high legal fees and multi-million damages.

“I am encouraging the government not to pursue its battle, there is a contract that has to be settled and it is practical to the government to honor it as part of its national obligation,” Honasan said in a statement.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV also said it would be prudent for the government to implement the court order right away. 

“It would pave the way for making NAIA 3 fully operational and provide more efficient airport services, as well as boost foreign investor confidence in the country,” Trillanes said.