Singson-led third telco aspirant disqualified due to lack of requirements

The consortium led by businessman Chavit Singson has been disqualified by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in the bid for the third telco slot , due to lack of requirements.

During the opening of bids in Quezon City on Wednesday, NTC Selection Committee Chair Ella Lopez said the consortium lacked the participation security component.

The consortium was “not qualified to proceed with bidding” as the selection documents it submitted to the NTC were deemed to be “incomplete.”

TierOne Communications International Inc. and LCS (Luis Chavit Singson) Inc. have partnered for the  third telco bid.

The bidding system approved by the government takes into consideration the highest committed level of service (HCLOS).

The HCLOS model involves a point system on bidders' committed speed, coverage, and capital and operational expenditures. It also requires a P700-million "Participation Security."

“Participant may file its motion for reconsideration (MR) within the time stated in the Memorandum Circular,” Lopez said, noting that TierOne has three days to file its appeal.

In response, TierOne vice president Sijmong Fjell noted the company will be filing an MR, as he said: “I’m confident we will win cause it’s not over yet.”—VDS, GMA News