NAIA consortium proposal to get original proponent status

CLARK, Pampanga — The unsolicited proposal of seven of the biggest conglomerates in the Philippines to take over the operations and maintenance of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) will soon get an original proponent status from the government, Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials said Tuesday.

“Sasabihin ko na ho, meron na pong decision at papel na ginawa ‘yung planning namin kung saan ang sinasabi po doon bigyan niyo na ng original proponent status ito,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said in a press briefing here.

The so-called “super consortium” of Ayala Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Alliance Global Group Inc., Filinvest Development Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp., JG Summit Holdings, and Asia Emerging Dragon resubmitted its proposal to rehabilitate, maintain, and operate the country’s premiere gateway for a concession period of 15 years from the original 35 years to reflect the DOTr's concern that it was too long.

After the consortium tweaked its proposal, the DOTr has no other option but recommend an original proponent status.

“Wala nang paligoyligoy,” Tugade said.

The original proponent status still needs to be discussed by the board of directors of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

“‘Yung rekomendasyon na ‘yun ibinigay po sa MIAA. Bakit po sa MIAA? Pagkat sila po ang tinatawag na primary agency,” Tugade said.

“Ibinigay namin sa MIAA ‘yung recommendation to give original proponent status on the project. Final na ba ‘yun? Hindi ho, kasi kailangan aprubahan ng Board of directors ng MIAA,” the Cabinet official said.

MIAA general manager Ed Monreal confirmed that the airport authority has received the DOTr’s recommendation.

“Yaan po ay dadaan sa board. Ang board ay magco-convene sa Huwebes at ‘yan po ay tatalakayin sa board,” Monreal said.

Once the board reaches an agreement on the recommendation, it will be sent back to the DOTr, which will submit it to the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee.

As soon as it gets an approval from the NEDA Board, chaired by the President, the project can undergo a Swiss challenge. —VDS, GMA News