BACK in January 30, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo was asked by the media if the Duterte administration was looking into complaints that the bidding process and subsequent contract award for the Sangley Airport project favored a Chinese builder with a dubious reputation. Panelo’s response, which was probably intended to sound reassuring, was instead dismissive.

“If the Chinese company has complied with all the bidding requirements unlike others, then necessarily the Chinese company will be the chosen one,” Panelo said. “The presumption is it is aboveboard — lest you give us proof that it is not, then we come in.”