Clark Freeport – Clark Development Corp. (CDC) has refused to renew the service contract with Metro Clark Waste Management Corp. (MCWMC) that expired on Saturday, 5 October this year.
The decision, the CDC said, was based on the legal opinion of its statutory counsel, the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), who said that extending the contract with MCWMC beyond its expiration would violate the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.
According to CDC, the BOT law governs the bidding and award of the services it requires.
In April this year, BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang formally told the MCWMC in a letter that the government corporation no longer wished to retain its services.
“The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is keen on the development and increase of the economic value of the 100-hectare land area currently covered by a Contract for Service with Metro Clark Waste Management Corporation (MCWMC) located in New Clark City.”
“At the expiration of the Contract for Service, MCWMC should promptly vacate and deliver the property, inclusive of all new constructions and improvements introduced during the term of the contract, to the Clark Development Corporation,” the BCDA chief wrote.
But the day before the contract with BCDA expired on Friday, 4 October 2024, the CDC received a 72-hour temporary restraining order from Branch 66 of the Regional Trial Court of Capas, Tarlac sought by the MCWMC.
The CDC said it adheres to the rule of law and committed to comply in full with the restraining order.
“We respect the sub judice rule and will refrain from commenting on ongoing court proceedings and public statements made by MCWMC in relation to the cases. In line with our commitment to ensuring uninterrupted waste management services in Clark, Prime Waste Solutions Pampanga Inc. has been accredited waste service provider to ensure continuity after October 5, 2024.
“The CDC values the cooperation of all stakeholders and urges everyone to remain vigilant for accurate information,” the CDC said.
