Cayetano on the NorthRail project: 'Re-negotiate for
better terms and quality'

Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano urged the Aquino administration to focus on obtaining better terms and quality of service as it seeks to rebid the NorthRail contract between the government and China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. (CNMEC).

The senator said the government's new initiatives are a welcome development because the country needs an efficient railroad system to the north.

He cited the urgency for a railway system to service the clark airport.

"For it to be a viable international airport, passengers would need to get there within 30 to 45 minutes," he added.

However, the minority leader was quick to point out that the renewed project must not be tainted with the same corruption issues that derailed the previous North Rail contract.

"The government must be on the look out for wastage, feasibility and corruption," he said.

"As long as everything is kept above-board and transparent, then this project will surely be supported by the public," he added.

Cayetano also added that pursuing alternative land mass transport systems will help keep prices of commodities down.

"Prices of consumer goods will be cheaper if these are transported via railway instead roads and highways," he said.