THE unresolved messy dispute between the government and the Fraport AG, part of the consortium that built the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (Naia 3), continue to spook German businessmen here, making them more cautious in taking on new projects.

“It’s not out of every body’s mind yet,” said Franz Roland Odenthal, president of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (GPCCI).

Odenthal said the fact that the government has failed to follow the court’s ruling that it should compensate project proponent Philippine International Air Terminals Corp. (Piatco) consortium and Fraport AG first before it opens the new airport facility again gives the Philippines “a little bit of smell.”

Firms that are close to making a decision on locating in the country, Odenthal added, will know about the dispute on the Naia 3. “They will definitely hear about this. It will be brought up and they will be told that you have to be careful with your contract and make sure that you are safe and what you invest here really belongs to you.”

He said it would be in the best interest of the country if the government will “finish this and take it out of the book. Don’t try to extend it and make it more painful. The government should close this thing once and for all; take it out of people’s mind and discussions. It should compensate Fraport and Piatco and then the government can do whatever they want to Terminal 3. Sell it, give licenses or whatever.”

German Ambassador Christian-Ludwig Weber-Lortsch said up to now, the foremost concern of businessmen is the “clear, reliable, trustable investment rules,” as well as regulatory and bureaucratic impediments to investments.

He added because of this situation in the Philippines, Vietnam is now raking in investments 10 times more than the Philippines. 

Militant group seeks probe into P444-million agri fund scam

THE militant fishermen’s alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) on Tuesday called on lawmakers to investigate Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap in connection with the allegedly questionable release of P444 million agriculture funds to “fly-by-night” groups.

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‘Naia 3 haunts German biz’

THE unresolved messy dispute between the government and the Fraport AG, part of the consortium that built the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (Naia 3), continue to spook German businessmen here, making them more cautious in taking on new projects.

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