Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo has rejected the debate challenge made by former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares about the China-funded Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, saying he has better things to do.
Panelo instead said the government was ready to face Colmenares if he wishes to bring his concerns about the country’s loan agreement with China before the courts.
“Challenging a publicly visible government official to a debate attracts media attention. Surely Mr. Neri Colmenares
knows how to grab at a media op to improve on his fledgling candidacy,” Panelo said in a statement. “He should be commended for that but I have better things to do than to provide him the forum he desperately needs,” he added.
Panelo pointed out that he and the economic managers have “squarely and adequately” responded to the issues raised by Colmenares in the irrigation project financed by China. “If he is not satisfied with our responses he is free to go to the courts, as his usual style for media mileage, and we will be happy to oblige him there,” he said.
Senatorial bet Colmenares recently challenged Panelo to debate over issues concerning the $62.09-million Chico River Pump Irrigation Project, saying the loan was onerous and highly favors China amid exceedingly high interest rate. He claimed that the loan agreement with China was a “disaster for the Philippines.”
The project, which broke ground last year, aims to irrigate around 8,700 hectares of agricultural land, benefit 4,350 farmers, and serve 21 barangays in Cagayan and Kalinga.
Panelo earlier accused Colmenares of politicizing the China-funded project to get media mileage for his candidacy.
Panelo, also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, told the former lawmaker that the loan agreement was reviewed, negotiated, and approved by the Interagency Committee composed of the Department of Justice, the Department of Finance, and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. (Genalyn Kabiling)
