Presidential adviser urges Palace to extend Naia rehab bidding
FILE PHOTO: Ninoy Aquino International Airport. INQUIRER FILES
The Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation has recommended to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. an extension of the bidding deadline for the P171-billion Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) rehabilitation project. Gadon expressed concerns that the original deadline set by the Department of Transportation (DoTr) might unduly favor only two prospective bidders.
“Why the rush? That’s a P171 billion project. May favored bidder ba ‘yan kaya ayaw magpa extension?” Secretary Larry Gadon questioned, emphasizing that the President is aware of the ground developments.
Gadon conveyed his recommendation to the Office of the President, aligning with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) suggestion to grant a one-month extension. He highlighted the ADB as the prime mover behind this proposed extension.
The adviser lamented that the December 27 deadline, considering the extensive 340-page bid documents, seems tailored to favor a specific bidder. He emphasized that the extension would prevent suspicions of favoritism in awarding the substantial P171-billion project.
Gadon, along with two lawmakers from the House of Representatives, urged the DoTr to heed the ADB’s advice to extend the bidding for the NAIA rehabilitation project by one month. They emphasized the importance of due diligence and avoiding perceptions of favoritism in the process.
If the December 27 deadline remains, the DoTr risks accusations of favoring only two bidders, who have submitted unsolicited proposals and are likely to meet the timeline. The ADB, in an internal memo, proposed extending the bidding deadline to January 29, 2024, to allow more time for potential bidders and ensure increased competition for better financial outcomes for the government.
The ADB noted that at least four more bidders are seeking the extension, and if the original deadline stands, only two may submit the required bid documents.
Previously, eight firms bought bid documents for the project, including Asian Airport Consortium, Cengiz Insaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S., Incheon International Airport Corp., GMR Group, Limak Holding A.S., Manila International Airport Consortium, San Miguel Corp., and Spark 888 Management Inc.
Manila Rep. Rolando M. Valeriano and OFW Rep. Maria Magsino both supported the ADB’s position, emphasizing the importance of a one-month extension for the government’s and the public’s best interests.
“In projects like this, ADB is experienced. Their opinion to extend the deadline should be heard. It is better, and the DoTr can choose the most qualified project proponent because more can participate in the bid, and they can prepare better. Due diligence is a must given the significant amount at stake,” said Valeriano, Chairman of the House Committee on Metro Manila Development.
Magsino stressed that the one-month delay in bidding would be more beneficial, allowing the government to choose from more reputable companies and secure the most cost-effective agreement.
The ADB’s memo “strongly” proposed the bidding date extension to attract more bids, ensuring greater competition and better financial outcomes for the government. It also emphasized the government’s commitment to a level playing field for all investors.
Gadon supported the ADB’s proposed extension, emphasizing its necessity to avoid marginalizing other potential bidders in light of the December 27 deadline.
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