The Department of Transportation said it is ready to take over the development of regional airports if private proponents will not push through with their unsolicited offers.
“Whether they push through or not, we’re doing it,” Transportation Undersecretary for aviation Manuel Tamayo said.
The agency earlier returned all unsolicited airport offers after the government decided to standardize and pattern the draft contract to the operation and maintenance contract for Clark International Airport, which covers provisions for MAGA or material adverse government action.
Under the clause, proponents will only be compensated for adverse government action from the executive branch and not for any change in future laws. If MAGA occurs during the operation and maintenance period, the project proponent is entitled to compensation equal to the additional costs incurred and/or loss of revenue.
Aboitiz InfraCapita lnc., a unit of the Aboitiz Group, earlier said it submitted a revised unsolicited proposal to DOTR to upgrade, expand, operate and maintain the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental province.
The company said it patterned its revised proposal after the Clark O&M [operation and maintenance].
The P42.7-billion project involves the capacity augmentation through expansion or construction of new passenger terminals, installation of required equipment and enhancement and development of airside facilities.
The company tapped Arup as a consultant for the technical studies and masterplan of the Laguindingan proposal.
AIC earlier obtained an original proponent status from the government to operate and maintain the future development and expansion of the New Bohol International Airport.
The new airport on Panglao Island aims to replace the current airport in Tagbilaran City which is currently serving nearly one million passengers a year. With a much larger capacity, the New Bohol International Airport is seen to be a key catalyst in unlocking the tourism potential of Bohol and the rest of the region. The airport is currently under evaluation by the National Economic and Development Authority.
Prime Asset Ventures Inc. of the Villar Group also submitted an unsolicited offer to rehabilitate, operate, maintain and expand the Iloilo International Airport.
Udenna Infrastructure Corp. of businessman Dennis Uy submitted an unsolicited proposal for the development, operations and maintenance of Bacolod-Silay Airport and Davao International Airport while Mega7 Construction Corp. submitted a bid for the development of the Kalibo International Airport.