SISON, Pangasinan, Philippines –Former Pangasinan congressman Mark Cojuangco yesterday denied claims by Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan that his proposal to transfer the exit of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) would cost the government another P1 billion and delay the project.
Cojuangco, son of businessman Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., said his efforts to transfer the route started in 2009. He said Cosalan, chairman of the House committee on public works was misinformed.
He said his proposed route would pass through the towns of Pozorrubio, Sison, both in Pangasinan, and in Rosario, La Union.
“At no point will it pass through Santo Tomas and skirt to San Jacinto and San Fabian for a few hundred meters,” Cojuangco said.
He said in his proposed route, the TPLEX would still pass through Binalonan, Pozorrubio and Sison but exits in Barangay Cataguintingan in Rosario.
“Cosalan is wrong. The diversion adds only less than five kilometers to Saytan town,” Cojuangco said.
He said the Department of Public Works and Highways and the National Economic and Development Authority did not consult the residents of Pozorrubio and Sison about the original route.
Cosalan claimed Cojuangco’s proposal would beat the purpose of TPLEX, which was to boost tourism in Pangasinan, Ilocos, the Cordilleras and other parts of Northern Luzon.