But that moving with urgency on Portico has excluded one key factor - creating property on the seabed. It was prominent in NEAC's meeting in February, but then faded from future conversations on the project. But, for a project which seeks to create an artificial peninsula, it is an essential component. So, will the Minister of Natural Resources give Portico clearance to create property over the seabed? The PM said he hopes so:
Jules Vasquez
"Will the Ministry of Natural Resources make the seabed available for the developers?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Well, I don't think they have put in their application as yet, but if it has been approved by the NEAC and the cabinet is supporting this project, it goes then expected that the minister of natural resources will approve the use of the seabed."
Jules Vasquez
"You realize that is a requirement of the definitive agreement. So it shows that the PUP is following the script..."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"Jules, stop twisting things. Jules, forget the definitive agreement. The project needs this land for it to be sustainable, for it to be feasible and so..."
Jules Vasquez
"Under the DA."
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"But DA or no DA, but Julius, Jules. Julius would be insulted."
"Under the project it doesn't matter what agreement was there. That land is necessary for the project to be feasible."
Jules Vasquez
"So, the Ministry of Natural Resources would make it available?"
John Briceno, Prime Minister
"I would hope so."
