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The Korean Chamber of Commerce—Philippines (KCCP) raised its
concern over the “frequency and negative imputations” in media
the past few days regarding the construction of high-rise
residential structures by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction
Ltd. (Hanjin) inside Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales. In a statement,
KCCP noted what seemed to be a “trial by publicity of Hanjin,
undertaken without due process and protection.”
“Hanjin’s construction of the two
condominium buildings is aboveboard and legal,” said KCCP
President Jae Jang, reiterating an earlier statement by SBMA
Administrator Armand Arreza.
The SBMA reported that the Korean firm went
through the proper governmental processes in securing the necessary
certificates and permits needed for the construction.
The Korean chamber president stressed, “Hanjin
has never harmed or disturbed the environment of the Subic Bay.”
“Why has the issue been raised only now, when
the buildings are already 95 percent completed?” said Jang, adding
that if there are any urgent environmental implications, why is it
that complaints against the building surfaced only after a year
since its construction started.
Jang warned that the issue on Hanjin could
impact the investment climate in the country with foreign investors
being made vulnerable to attacks and accusations of law breaking
despite compliance with governmental processes and transactions.
The KCCP stood firm that Hanjin never violated
any Philippine law, rules or regulations. The chamber called for a
fair and non-partisan approach to the issue.
“Hanjin will always undertake activities which
are beneficial not only to itself, but also to the Philippine
economy and the Filipinos in general,” continued Jang.
Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Co.,
Ltd. is a Korean-based company engaged in construction and
shipbuilding.
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