MANILA – The Philippine transportation department said Thursday it was “grateful” for the generosity of 2GO chairman Dennis Uy, who waived the P35 million rent for the use of his ships as COVID-19 quarantine facilities.
The Davao-based businessman on Wednesday said he was waving rent for two ships following online criticism. Uy estimated the operating cost for the two ships at P260 million.
“This is a most welcome development, and this magnanimity of Mr. Dennis Uy and 2Go all the more reinforces the Bayanihan spirit that prevails in this monumental effort of both government and the private sector to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” the DOTr said in a statement.
Uy apologized for those offended by the issue. No payment has been made, the DOTr said.
Uy was not consulted during the negotiations on the matter. The initial rate of P120 million was trimmed down to P35 million, Transport Secretary Art Tugade said.
The rent covers fuel, electricity, water, maintenance, supplies and salaries of crew and hotel staff to keep the ships running, the DOTr said.
“It is therefore unfortunate and deplorable that Mr Dennis Uy was unfairly dragged by media and was at the receiving end of negative commentaries, when he was never part of the discussion,” the DOTr said.
The two quarantine ships were stationed in Pier 15 at the Manila harbor next to a COVID-19 treatment facility funded by the Lopez group of companies.(ABS-CBN News)
