Noy: Gov’t can still pursue Clark-MM railway system

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines – The government has not abandoned plans to build a modern railway system linking the Clark International Airport (CIA) with Metro Manila, although there are still two issues that have to be resolved, President Aquino said the other day.

In a press conference during the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force here on Tuesday, Aquino said the government has yet to settle issues on the concessional loans amounting to “hundreds of millions of dollars” obtained by the previous administration for the mothballed North railway project.

Aquino said the initial plan for the railway to connect Clark to Caloocan City was not feasible, as it must extend to the country’s central business district in Makati or, at least, Ortigas in Pasig.

The President cited “due and demandable loans” from China initially obtained for the railway project and an ongoing arbitration involving a Chinese contractor, as among the reasons why the project could not yet push through.

He said despite the huge loans obtained by the Arroyo government for the railway, “all we can see is a kilometer of columns (supposedly for the rail tracks) in Malolos.”

The President said the government still wants the Clark-Metro Manila railway project realized.

“Without it, it is not practical for tourists or businessmen to (land) at Clark and take a two-hour trip to the business district,” he said.

The railway plan between Clark and Metro Manila was first conceived during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos, who issued an executive order declaring Clark as the future site of the country’s international gateway.

Aquino said despite the lack of such railway system the “pocket open skies policy” in airports, excluding the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, would make Clark a primary hub for tourists.

He said the government has continued to upgrade the CIA, citing the expansion of its passenger terminal building from 11,000 to 17,000 square meters and plans to build a new budget terminal.