The Korean Embassy in Manila has clarified that the suspension of a ₩700 billion civil engineering project is not connected to the Philippine government, stressing that the decision was made solely in response to concerns raised in Korean media.
“The suspension of the feasibility study on the project in question is unrelated to the Philippine Government,” the embassy said in a statement on Friday, September 12.
“This decision was made solely to allow for the verification of matters that had been raised in Korean media reports,” it said.
The embassy added that the project “will be put on hold until further notice,” but assured that the Philippines remains one of South Korea’s “most valued partners” and that Seoul is “fully committed to advancing development cooperation partnerships” with Manila.
The clarification followed South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s order on September 9 to halt procedures for the project, citing concerns over corruption and mismanagement.
According to The Chosun Daily, the project had earlier been rejected by the Ministry of Economy and Finance in 2023 after denying loan support from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
Lee said his decision was intended to protect taxpayers, noting that stopping the project would prevent “the unnecessary waste of 700 billion Korean won in taxpayer money and preemptively block risks that could lead to poor management and corruption.”
South Korean media reports alleged that the project was revived despite earlier rejection, following political pressure from ruling party lawmaker Kweon Seong-dong on then-Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok and others. The revelations, amplified by local investigative reporting, prompted the president’s public announcement.
Lee assured the Korean public that no funds had yet been spent, pointing out that the project had not formally commenced. He also praised journalists for uncovering the case, saying the media serves as “a watchdog of power and a salt that prevents societal corruption.”
