Malacañan welcomes PAL’s P6-B tax settlement

FILE: PCOO Sec Andanar (PNA PHOTO)

MANILA — Malacañang welcomed the P6-billion settlement of Philippine Airlines (PAL) with the government, which is expected to fund the Duterte administration’s priority projects, particularly the rehabilitation of Marawi City.

“That is a very, very positive outcome na inaasahan din ng ating gobyerno, ng ating Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Secretary Andanar said, adding that the Finance and Budget team will be the ones allocating the budget and that the infrastructure projects have to be implemented as soon as possible.

Secretary Andanar also reiterated that Japan has provided funds worth USD6 billion to the Philippines to support the infrastructure and development projects, including the establishment of a subway system in Metro Manila.

The project seeks to help address traffic congestion in Metro Manila, ease air pollution and promote investments in the Philippines.

“Remember, si Japanese Prime Minister Abe ay nag-commit na ng anim na bilyong dolyar para sa project na ‘yan at paulit-ulit niyang sinabi during the meeting in Japan… partial operability,” Secretary Andanar said.

“So meaning, sa loob mismo ng termino ni Pangulong Digong ay ma-experience natin ang underground sa Metro Manila or ‘yung subway system,” he said.

“This is really a positive outcome na nagbayad na ho ang grupo ng PAL ng anim na bilyon,” he added. (PND)