The controversy-ridden refurbishment of the National Stadium has hit a new low after a major disagreement between the government and lead consultant, Tectura International. The feud is likely to end in court after the government rejected the workmanship saying that even after repair, the facility does not meet FIFA standards. But Tectura International has countered that it was the government that compromised standards citing insufficient funds.
Initially, the stadium was to be re-built into a world class facility with a retractable roof, multi-purpose hall, a new softball diamond with a sitting capacity of 5,000, Television and radio transmission studios and practice halls at an estimated cost of P436 million. However, after some major omissions aimed at cost reduction, the figure was brought down to P60 million. The final brief constituted the construction works for the built area limited to mechanical, electrical and structural defects, the replacement of the athletics track, re-grassing of the soccer pitch and the multi-purpose hall.
