Neda knew beforehand of DPWH presentation

This refers to the BizBuzz item titled “Topic ‘insertion’ floors Neda” by Daxim L. Lucas (Inquirer, 10/8/12).

We would like to clarify some issues:

1. Prior to its Oct. 3, 2012 meeting, the interagency Technical Board (TB) of the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) had already tabled the North-South Luzon Expressway (NLEx-SLEx) Connector Road Project for discussion as part of its agenda.

2. Previous meetings since 2011, both of the TB and the interagency Cabinet Committee of the Neda-ICC, had threshed out the project’s technical requirements, such as draft contracts, economic and financial viability.

3. The Department of Public Works and Highways, as the project’s government sponsor agency, was invited to present during the Oct. 3, 2012 meeting its compliance with the required technical details. As usual, Neda’s Infrastructure Staff, which is TB’s lead evaluating staff, also presented its independent and initial review of the Connector Road Project.

Lucas wrote that Neda was “surprised (to put it mildly),” “floored,” “unprepared” and “unaware” of the presentation made by Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson. The above information, however, would refute those claims.

We hope that Inquirer readers will be clarified on this matter.

—ROLANDO G. TUNGPALAN,

Neda-ICC TB chair and

Neda deputy director general

for investment programming