đź“·House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas
Gabriela Women’s Party strongly condemns the planned construction of a P32-billion stadium near Clark International Airport, calling it a gross misplacement of priorities amid the ongoing economic crisis and widespread poverty in the country.
“How many public hospitals, schools, or housing projects could be built with P32 billion? It’s like the government is living in their wildest dreams while ignoring the reality on the ground,” House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said.
“Sa panahon kung kailan milyun-milyong Pilipino ang halos walang mailagay na pagkain sa mesa, talagang naisipan pa ng gobyerno na maglaan ng bilyon-bilyon para sa isang mega-stadium project na hindi naman mapapakinabangan ng mamamayan,” Rep. Brosas added.
The proposed 40-hectare entertainment complex, announced by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President Arrey Perez, is slated for completion by 2028 and aims to boost air traffic at Clark International Airport by hosting concerts for international artists.
Rep. Brosas questioned the wisdom of pursuing such an expensive project through a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. “PPPs have a history of favoring corporate interests over public welfare. Hindi natin maaaring payagan na gamitin ang pondo ng bayan para sa mga proyekto na pangunahing pinakikinabangan ng malalaking negosyo habang ang mga tao ang nagdadala ng mga panganib at gastos dito.”
Gabriela Women’s Party calls on the government to redirect its focus and resources towards addressing the pressing needs of the Filipino people, including job creation, social services, and genuine agrarian reform.
“Instead of chasing pipe dreams of becoming an entertainment hub, the government should prioritize the welfare of our farmers, workers, and urban poor. We need sustainable development that uplifts the lives of the majority, not glitzy projects that serve only to line the pockets of a few,” Rep. Brosas concluded. ###
