German Embassy on NAIA III

Answering questions from various media on the recent NAIA III decision of the Regional Pasay Court, a spokesman of the German Embassy stated the following:

“Neither the German Government nor a German company are party of the expropriation trial at the Regional Pasay Court. Thus, we abstain from commenting a court decision on third parties.
We however reiterate that a negotiated agreement between all parties involved would be the best way out of the present impasse.
As PIATCO appealed against the aforementioned court decision and Fraport submitted the case to the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington, the legal dispute may continue for years, preventing domestic and international companies to finish, manage and use the urgently needed international terminal. The Philippine Supreme Court has clearly stated that acts of ownership are only allowed until full payment of just compensation has taken place.
Furthermore, a fair and swift solution would be an encouraging signal for the international business community to engage in long-term investments, such as Public Private Partnerships.”

May 2011