NAIA workers group asks ICI to probe P1.5T concession deal for graft

A coalition of NAIA workers, PUSO ng NAIA, has formally asked the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate the P1.5-trillion concession deal for the modernization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) for potential graft and irregularities.

The group alleged procedural missteps, conflicts of interest, a non-competitive bidding process, and "ghost services" in the awarding of the agreement to the San Miguel Corporation-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC).

However, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez stated that the NAIA modernization project is not covered by the ICI's mandate, as no public funds were disbursed and there is no misuse of funds.

Lopez added that the NNIC is the entity providing funds to the government, citing a P57 billion remittance in one year of privatized operations.