DOTr eyes to finish Swiss challenge for Bulacan airport project by Q1 2019

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is targeting to finish the Swiss challenge and eventually award the contract for the construction of the proposed P735-billion Bulacan International Airport.

“Target ng Swiss challenge, matapos ng first quarter. Completion ng Swiss challenge,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade told reporters in Manila on Friday.

The Transportation chief said the DOTr and the National Economic and Development Authority-Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) are addressing several issues raised by the Department of Finance on the draft concession terms of project proponent San Miguel Holdings Corp. for the Bulacan Airport project.

"May mga bagay na pinapatingnan ang DOF, una ‘yung tinatawag na termination—kung materminate kailangan walang babayaran ang government," Tugade said.

"Tinitingnan din ‘yung joint solidarity commitment ng San Miguel Holdings para at least masasabi natin na in terms of equity, sagutin nila 'yan," he added.

The Transportation chief said he is optimistic that the issues will be resolved as the project proponent is listening and open to suggestions.

"Hindi closed mind," Tugade said.

The Bulacan airport project, an unsolicited proposal from SMC’s infrastructure unit, was approved by NEDA Board —chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte— on April 26 subject to resolution of pending issues, including the joint and several liability agreements by San Miguel Holdings and its parent company San Miguel Corp.

The project involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of a 2,500-hectare airport in Bulakan, Bulacan. The development will also include a passenger terminal building with airside and landside facilities, and an airport toll road, and four runways. —LDF, GMA News