Palace welcomes Singapore High Court decision on PIATCO

Malacañang on Thursday welcomed the decision of the Singapore high court denying the petition of the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (PIAT CO) to set aside the award rendered by an international arbitration tribunal. “It’s a victory for the government of the Philippines. It clearly shows the legitimate position of the government and this is not a hometown decision, this is a standard by a foreign court," presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said at a press briefing. “We welcome the development in the Singapore tribunal," he added. The Singapore High Court’s dismissal of PIATCO’s claim is the fourth decision by domestic and international tribunals which ruled that PIATCO and Fraport committed illegal acts in the NAIA-3 project. PIATCO had asked the High Court to reverse the award rendered by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) tribunal on July 22, 2010, involving the airport terminal. The Singapore High Court upheld the ICC tribunal dismissal of PIATCO’s claims on the ground of illegality and upon observing due process at arriving at this decision. The High Court was not convinced that the ICC tribunal misapplied the Anti-Dummy law, nor that PIATCO had been deprived of the right to be heard because case records showed that PIATCO had fully argued its case before the arbitral tribunal. Government always maintains the legitimacy of its position, Lacierda said. Lacierda noted the government hopes that PIATCO will put closure to the case and refrain from filing further cases in court “but we cannot read the minds of PIATCO so we leave it up to them." While it is PIATCO’s right to insists its claim, he said the Philippine government wants the firm to move on. Asked by reporters if government is prepared for other challenges to be raised by PIATCO, Lacierda said the administration will always be ready to defend the government position. He added the decision boosts the thrust of the Aquino administration to level the playing field in the country’s business sector. — VS, GMA News