Pampanga groups oppose confirmation of Alvarez

ANGELES CITY — Several Pampanga-based, non-government organizations have petitioned the Commission on Appointments to reject the confirmation of Transportation and Communications Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez.

In a manifesto, the NGOs said, "We cannot repose our trust in a Cabinet secretary whose personal and business interests, and lately, his official acts, conflict with government plans and violate the very spirit of Republic Act 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Law) and thus, are inimical to the economic survival and growth of Central and Northern Luzon and the welfare of millions of its people."

"‘We do not deserve Pantaleon Alvarez...as the head of the DOTC, one of the government agencies tasked to develop the Clark international airport in keeping with the national government’s vision of transforming the former US bases into viable aviation-led industrial, tourism and commercial hubs to spur sustained economic growth in Central and Northern Luzon," the groups said.

The manifesto was signed by the Pinoy Gum—ising Ka Movement, Move Clark Now!, Ing Makaba—baing Aksyon Foundation Inc., Kapisanan Para sa Kagalingan and Kaba—baihan sa Angeles, Metro Angeles Bankers Association, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Pampanga, Association of Travel Agencies of Pampanga, Angeles City Urban Poor Alliance and Pangkalahatang Sama—han ng mga Drivers sa Angeles.

The groups claimed that Alvarez, in a dialogue last Feb. 10 with some NGOs, businessmen and Pampanga’s four congressmen, denied having any interest in or dealings with Piatco, the proponent of the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 3.

They, however, cited media reports alleging that Alvarez had a 33 percent share in Wintrack, a sub-contractor of Piatco in the Terminal 3 construction.

"We believe all our aspirations for the development of Clark as an international airport will come to naught with Alvarez as DOTC secretary," they said.

The groups said they will march to the Senate grounds when the Commission on Appointments starts its hearings on Alvarez’s confirmation.