LOS ANGELES, CA – A prominent lawyer from Alaminos City expressed his reservation on  the construction of a highway from Binalonan to Lingayen even as he lauded Gov. Ramon Guico III for embarking on a gargantuan project never envisioned by former provincial administrations.

In an interview with the Sunday PUNCH, Atty Vicente S. Perez, who lives in Burbank in LA, said that while the project will spur economic development, affected landowners will be forced to sell their properties at prices set by the government whimsically.

While it will also hasten the construction of big commercial buildings by enterprising companies looking for a suitable place for expansion, he said there is one thing the government should not do.

“The government can use the power of eminent domain to convert property into public use but it should not be utilized to dictate its prices,” said the MBA-Wharton School of Business graduate.

The construction of the Pangasinan Link Expressway’s (PLEX) first phase (from Binalonan to Lingayen) will be undertaken by the San Miguel Holdings Corporation.

The second phase will start from the capital town to Alaminos City, a.k.a. the Makati of the West.

The SMCH is the same company currently constructing the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. It’s also credited for constructing some skyways in Metro Manila.

While the PLEX shortens travel time, Perez emphasized that the new highway will also burden frequent and regular commuters who will pay graduated toll fees as the years go by.

The Ateneo-UP educated lawyer clarified that he is not against government projects provided they redound to people’s benefit. (Leonardo Galvez, Correspondent)

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