Gatchalian clarifies Davao power plant info

An ambush interview with yours truly last Jan. 27, has become the subject of an Inquirer story, “All systems go for P5-B Davao power plant” (1/30/20).

I made an honest mistake and would like to sincerely apologize for the inaccurate information I gave to reporters when I said that “the P5-billion waste-to-energy (WTE) project in Davao City is ready for groundbreaking and that Nippon Steel of Japan is the private partner of Davao.”

The Davao City project is still undergoing a final feasibility study to determine its viability, final design, specifications, contractual arrangements, and obligations. As such, there is still no schedule for groundbreaking.

While Nippon was only the entity contracted to conduct the pre-feasibility study in 2015-2016, Davao does not work with Nippon or any other Japanese company to be its partner to construct and operate the facility. The partner who will do so will be selected through a bidding process.

I take full responsibility for the oversight, and my office is taking all the necessary measures to correct the information.

SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN