Defensor now 'troubleshooting' for Northrail
abs-cbnnews.com | 08/02/2008 1:50 AM
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Michael Defensor now has a new role: as "troubleshooter" for the government's stalled $503-million Northrail project.
"I'm helping Northrail in my private capacity. Tulong na lang. Kasi kung gagawin pang official capacity eh 'di pabigat pa ko na papasweldohin," Defensor said.
He explained that Secretary Edgardo Pamintuan, chairman of the Subic-Clark for Alliance Development Council, sought his help. Pamintuan is the official appointed by President Arroyo to revive the discontinued Northrail-related works.
What exactly Defensor does for Northrail in his unofficial capacity remains vague.
"I'm very happy to be part of their team. I told the President that I'm helping them and she knows that," Defensor said.
Asked if he is working as a private consultant, Defensor said: "Yes you can say that. But I don't get paid."
Defensor, who ran but lost in the 2007 senatorial elections under the administration ticket, said he believes he can help out Pamintuan's group since he understands the "working dynamics of an engineering contractor and a consultant," an experience he picked up in his brief stint as task force chief for the opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
He added that he can help out in "back channel talks". He did not elaborate.
New role
Earlier this week, Defensor announced his resignation as Task Force NAIA 3 head.
"My job description is to open this terminal and make it operational. With Cebu Pacific scrambling its first international flight today, these two have been met," he said, referring to the August 1 flight of Cebu Pacific.
He added: "Since the day I got my appointment papers [as Task Force NAIA 3 chief]…I am just passing through here…like some of those who use the terminal, a transient passenger."
He said that his bags "have always been packed."
"I have always been ready to go," he added.
When the President appointed Defensor in mid-June to facilitate the immediate opening of the new terminal, he said he will stay on the job only until the first international flight takes off from the controversial terminal.
Three weeks into the job, Defensor led the launch of the domestic flights of Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Air Philippines.
On August 1, Cebu Pacific transferred its regional flights from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, essentially integrating its local and international operations in one roof.
Terminal 3, most commonly referred to as NAIA 3, was originally scheduled to open in December 2002, but allegations of corruption, bribery, and issues about the building's structural integrity, especially on whether it could withstand a prolonged tremor, hounded it for years. With Nadia Trinidad, ABS-CBN News, and Lala Rimando, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak
