Angeles City mayor to seek info on Capilion project

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/06/20/pamintuan-seek-info-capilion-project-414309
• Saturday, June 20, 2015

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said that he will ask the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) to convene the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) to shed light on several issues surrounding the controversial Capilion project at the main entrance of Clark Freeport.

Pamintuan admitted that he has limited knowledge about the P7-billion long-term lease and development of a three-hectare lot in the area forged between CDC and the Capilion Corporation Pte. Limited of Singapore.

According to the mayor, officials of CDC and the proponent of the project should present the project in order for the local executives to see if it will have an adverse impact on local businesses.

The facility, which will run along the MA Roxas Highway parallel to the Don Juico Avenue along the Clark south perimeter fence, is expected to accommodate business process outsourcing (BPO) firms, residential, commercial, and retail enterprises once completed.

Some businessmen and local officials have aired strong objection against the project saying it will hurt local traders.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod here recently expressed its vehement opposition to any construction of structures along the MA Roxas Avenue.

Resolution Number 7184 Series of 2015, sponsored by Councilor Max Sangil, stated that it has been a matter of policy that no structures or edifices will be built in the said area which is declared as a buffer zone by the CDC Board.

The business structure will disturb the beauty of the area and create traffic congestion, the resolution stated.

Businessman Ruperto Cruz, head of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement, earlier said that Capilion will directly compete with the local businesses including mall giant Sm City Clark.

Under Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, Cruz said local traders should be protected and the CDC is mandated to institute measures to “level the playing field.”

Cruz said the Clark perimeter road leading to the Friendship Highway in the western portion of the city should no longer be used for commercial purposes.

He said the highway should be widened in anticipation of the full operation of the Clark International Airport (CRK).