Minimum bid for CALAX set at P20.1 B

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has set the floor price for the rebidding of the Cavite – Laguna expressway (Calax) in May at P20.1 billion.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the agency has decided to adopt a shorter one-stage process for the rebidding of the P35.4-billion public private partnership (PPP) project.

“This time around, the CALAX will undergo a shorter one stage process where both technical and financial bids will be open,” Singson added.

San Miguel Corp. (SMC) filed an appeal before the Office of the President questioning the decision of the DPWH to disqualify Optimal Infrastructure Development Inc. (OIDI) for allegedly submitting a non-compliant bid bond.

Malacañang issued a “stay order” on the implementation of the DPWH resolution dated June 11, 2014 disqualifying the SMC unit and preventing the agency from issuing a Notice of Award to the highest bidders.

After a careful evaluation of the appeal, President Aquino ordered the rebidding of the toll road project.

“Currently, the DPWH is waiting for the final and executory decision from the Office of the President on the President’s directive to rebid Calax. This will signal the start of the rebid process,” he said.

Earlier, SMC president Ramon S. Ang has confirmed that the diversified conglomerate would participate in the rebidding process while MP CALA Holdings Inc. of infrastructure giant Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) has renewed its bid bond for the project.

The tandem of conglomerate Ayala Corp. and listed Aboitiz Land Inc. has expressed disappointment over the decision of Malacanang to rebid the project.

Team Orion, a 50-50 joint venture between conglomerate Ayala Corp. and Aboitiz Land Inc., repeatedly said the group would not participate in the rebidding process.

“We don’t want to overemphasize this but that is still the position of the company. We believe that the original bid was conducted in a fair and transparent manner. It just doesn’t make sense if we participate in the rebid,” Ayala managing John Eric Francia said earlier.