The Truth Behind the 21-Year Inoperational Mlang Airport: A Tale of Politics Over Progress

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The Mlang Airport, officially known as the Central Mindanao Airport, stands as a stark reminder of how political rivalry and vested interests can derail even the most promising infrastructure projects. For over two decades, this airport has remained non-operational, despite its potential to drive economic growth, boost tourism, and significantly improve logistics in North Cotabato.

A Vision for Progress: The Birth of the Mlang Airport

In 1995, then-Mayor Manny Piñol of Mlang envisioned transforming his hometown into an agro-industrial hub. Recognizing the critical role of air connectivity in achieving this vision, he proposed building an airport. With the support of then-Vice Mayor Luigi Buenaflor Cuerpo and the Buenaflor family, who owned the land, the dream began to take shape.

Key Milestones in the Mlang Airport Project:

1998: Piñol, now Governor of North Cotabato, pursued the airport project at the provincial level.

2003: The Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved the purchase of 62 hectares of land from the former Hacienda Buenaflor.

2004: With an initial grant of ₱30 million from then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, sourced from the Department of Energy, construction began.

2009: The runway and terminal building were completed, and President Arroyo personally attended the inauguration.

The Halt in Progress (2010 Onwards)

After the 2010 elections, Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza took over as Governor, and the development of the Mlang Airport came to an abrupt stop. The administration cited alleged irregularities in the documentation of the land purchase and questioned the feasibility study.

Despite Piñol offering to assist in addressing these concerns, his help was ignored. The project remained frozen for nearly a decade.

A Glimmer of Hope Under Gov. Nancy Catamco (2019-2022)

In 2019, Governor Nancy Catamco reignited hope for the Mlang Airport. The so-called "missing" documents were either recovered or reconstructed, and efforts resumed to make the airport operational. However, before significant progress could be achieved, Catamco was defeated in the 2022 elections by Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza.

Once again, the project stalled.

Petty Politics: The Elephant in the Room

At the heart of the Mlang Airport's prolonged stagnation is not a lack of funding or documentation issues—it is politics. The airport has been repeatedly sidelined because it is seen as the brainchild of Manny Piñol.

The political fear? That once the airport becomes fully operational, Piñol would receive credit for its success.

Yet, this narrow-minded rivalry has cost North Cotabato and its people dearly. For over two decades:

Agricultural produce, especially perishable goods, must be transported to airports in Davao or General Santos, adding significant costs and logistical challenges.

Potential tourism and investment opportunities have been lost, stunting the economic growth of the province.

The people of North Cotabato remain deprived of a vital infrastructure project that could have drastically improved their quality of life.

Who Holds the Power to Complete the Airport?

The current Governor, Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza, also serves as the Chairperson of the Regional Development Council. With her influence and political connections—including ties to Speaker Martin Romualdez—securing funding for the airport should not be an issue.

Yet, progress remains painfully slow, with no clear end in sight.

The Real Tragedy: Politics Over Public Welfare

The Mlang Airport is more than just an unfinished infrastructure project; it represents the collective dreams of an entire province. Its completion could have positioned North Cotabato as a key player in agro-industrial exports and regional tourism.

Instead, it has become a symbol of how political grudges can cripple development.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability

Manny Piñol’s challenge to hold a public debate or forum on the real reasons behind the delay of the Mlang Airport is both bold and necessary. The people of North Cotabato deserve answers. They deserve to know why, despite decades of funding, political power, and opportunities, the airport remains unfinished.

A Challenge to the Current Leadership:

Why has the airport not been prioritized under your leadership?

Why was Manny Piñol’s offer to assist in completing documentation ignored?

Why does political rivalry continue to overshadow public welfare?

Final Thoughts

The Mlang Airport should no longer be a victim of political squabbles. Whether it carries the name of a former governor, a political family, or any other symbol is irrelevant. What matters is that it serves the people it was meant to serve.

For the sake of future generations, for the farmers, traders, and residents of North Cotabato—let the Mlang Airport finally take flight.

The truth must come out, and it’s time for those in power to act in the interest of the people, not their political egos.

Leonel Waste Management vs. City of Manila: A Deep Dive into the Allegations and Claims

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In a developing controversy that has gripped Manila, Leonel Waste Management Corporation, the former garbage collection contractor of the city, has firmly denied allegations of abandoning their contractual obligations before the end of their contract on December 31, 2024. The dispute highlights not only operational concerns but also financial issues, with unpaid dues amounting to PHP 561.44 million, according to Leonel.

Leonel’s Side: Fulfilling the Contract Until the End

In a public statement released on January 6, 2025, Leonel Waste Management expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Manila for over 25 years and categorically refuted accusations of prematurely abandoning their duties. They emphasized that:

Full Compliance Until December 31, 2024: Leonel claimed that they continued their services faithfully until the last day of their contract, even amidst the financial strain caused by the city's unpaid dues.

Employee Instructions: On December 23, 2024, Leonel directed its workforce to continue their usual operations until the final day, especially considering the anticipated increase in garbage volume during the holiday season.

Transparency: The company stated that their operations are well-documented with timestamped photos and Barangay Certifications confirming their compliance.

Early Notice to LGU: In September 2024, Leonel allegedly informed Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna of their decision not to participate in the 2025 bidding process due to the city's mounting unpaid obligations.

The City of Manila’s Response

While Leonel has painted a picture of dutiful compliance, Manila’s Local Government Unit (LGU) has a different take on the situation. Sources close to Mayor Honey Lacuna claim that:

Service Interruptions: There were noticeable interruptions in garbage collection services across key districts of Manila in the final weeks of December 2024.

Untimely Withdrawal: Allegations suggest that despite agreements, Leonel may have scaled down their operations prematurely, causing uncollected garbage to pile up during the critical holiday season.

Financial Justifications: While the city acknowledges the outstanding debt, officials argue that payment delays were part of bureaucratic processes and were being addressed.

The Financial Dispute: PHP 561.44 Million in Unpaid Dues

At the heart of the issue lies a staggering debt of PHP 561.44 million, which Leonel claims the City of Manila owes. This debt, according to Leonel, heavily impacted their operational capacity and created financial strain on their workforce and resources.

On the other hand, city officials counter that partial payments were made, and efforts were ongoing to settle the full amount. They further argue that contractual obligations must still be fulfilled regardless of payment delays.

Public Reaction: Social Media Divided

Netizens have taken to social media to express their opinions on the issue. Comments on news posts reveal a split sentiment:

Support for Leonel: Some citizens commend Leonel for their decades of service and believe the city’s unpaid debt justified their inability to operate effectively in the final days.

Criticism of Leonel: Others criticize the company, claiming they noticed irregular collection services during December, causing sanitation issues in several districts.

Accountability from Both Parties: Many netizens call for transparency from both sides, demanding public audits and clear documentation.

Looking Ahead: The Aftermath

As Manila transitions to a new garbage contractor in 2025, the aftermath of this dispute leaves significant lessons for both private contractors and government bodies. Proper financial management, clear contractual terms, and transparent communication are essential to prevent such conflicts from recurring.

For now, residents of Manila are left grappling with the consequences of this dispute, while both Leonel Waste Management and the City of Manila face public and legal scrutiny.

Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.

BYD vs. Tesla: The Battle for EV Supremacy and What It Really Means

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For the second time, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) giant BYD has overtaken Tesla as the world’s largest EV seller. In Q4 of 2024, BYD delivered an impressive 595,000 vehicles, while Tesla trailed with under 496,000 vehicles. But what do these numbers actually tell us about the evolving landscape of the EV market? Is it a simple case of volume versus luxury, or is there more beneath the surface?

1. BYD vs. Tesla: Mass Market vs. Luxury Segment

The comparison between BYD and Tesla is akin to comparing Toyota to Mercedes-Benz. BYD focuses heavily on affordability and accessibility, appealing to a mass market audience, while Tesla primarily targets the premium segment with its technologically advanced vehicles.

BYD: Known for its LiFePO4 batteries, cost-efficiency, and vertically integrated supply chain, BYD produces a mix of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), enabling them to capture a broader audience.

Tesla: Renowned for innovation, Tesla has positioned itself as the Apple of EVs, focusing on luxury, advanced technology, and a premium driving experience.

In essence, comparing their sales volumes without considering their market focus isn't entirely fair. BYD’s vehicles often start at significantly lower price points, appealing to cost-sensitive consumers, especially in China’s massive domestic market.

2. Market Dynamics: BYD's Advantage and Tesla's Challenge

Geopolitical Factors

Tesla: Enjoys relatively free access to China’s market, selling its cars alongside local competitors.

BYD: Faces tariffs and restrictions in the U.S. and parts of Europe, limiting its growth in Western markets.

Despite these hurdles, BYD's massive home advantage in China (a market of 1.4 billion consumers) provides a significant edge in sales numbers.

Affordability vs. Brand Appeal

Tesla has long been seen as the flagship EV brand globally. However, BYD's aggressive pricing strategies and ability to produce affordable EVs have brought electric mobility to a larger middle-income demographic.

For Tesla, maintaining premium pricing while facing increasing competition from cheaper EV brands such as BYD, MG, and Xiaomi has become a mounting challenge.

3. Innovation vs. Business Strategy

While Tesla continues to lead in terms of autonomous driving technology, over-the-air updates, and its robust Supercharger network, BYD excels in vertical integration and cost-efficient battery technology.

Battery Technology: A Key Differentiator

Tesla: Utilizes Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminum (NCA) batteries, which offer excellent energy density but at a higher cost.

BYD: Relies on LiFePO4 batteries, which are cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting in certain use cases.

The Long-Term Battery Problem

One lingering concern for EV owners remains battery replacement costs. Tesla batteries, while advanced, can be prohibitively expensive to replace after 8-10 years. BYD’s focus on cost-efficient batteries partially mitigates this issue, but the long-term recyclability of these batteries remains a question mark for both companies.

A potential solution, as some suggest, could be battery swapping stations, where users can quickly replace depleted batteries for fully charged ones—a model already in use in parts of China.

4. Global Impact: Who’s Really Winning?

Market Trends:

BYD: Increasing its foothold in developing markets, leveraging cost-effective production and government support.

Tesla: Holding strong in North America and Europe, with a focus on premium consumers.

Innovation vs. Scale:

Tesla is undoubtedly an innovator, setting benchmarks in EV technology and brand appeal.

BYD, on the other hand, excels in scale and production efficiency, steadily closing the gap in technological offerings.

Who Should Worry About BYD’s Rise?

Interestingly, BYD's growth isn't just a threat to Tesla—it’s a massive threat to legacy automakers such as Ford, Volkswagen, and Toyota. These companies are far behind in EV production efficiency and rely heavily on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales.

5. The Bigger Picture: EV Market Evolution

Both BYD and Tesla play critical roles in the global EV transition, but their strategies are fundamentally different:

Tesla: Continues to set the gold standard for EV innovation and software-driven vehicle features.

BYD: Democratises EV ownership with affordable models, ensuring wider adoption of electric mobility globally.

Rather than seeing this as a simple rivalry, it’s better to recognize their complementary roles. The EV industry thrives because of both premium innovators like Tesla and mass-market disruptors like BYD.

6. The Road Ahead: What to Expect

Tesla: Needs to address the aging product lineup and introduce lower-cost models to expand its customer base.

BYD: Must navigate international trade barriers and further refine its technological appeal to compete in Western markets.

Both companies will likely face increasing pressure from new entrants (e.g., Xiaomi, NIO) and traditional automakers attempting to catch up in the EV race.

Conclusion: Not a Zero-Sum Game

The rise of BYD doesn’t necessarily spell doom for Tesla. The EV market is expanding rapidly, and there’s room for both players. Tesla’s premium appeal and brand loyalty will ensure its survival, while BYD’s affordability and production efficiency will continue driving mass adoption.

Ultimately, this "EV race" isn't about who sells more cars—it’s about who contributes more to the future of sustainable transportation. Whether you prefer the premium innovation of Tesla or the affordability and scale of BYD, both companies are steering us toward a greener future—albeit on different lanes of the same road.