Guv urged: Explain P17.5B airport deal

CEBU, Philippines - A group has urged Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III to explain to the Cebuano people the details of the P17.5 billion airport deal being a member of the board of directors of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority.

The issue was raised by Consul Robert Lim Joseph, chairman-emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS).

Joseph said that until now the MCIAA and the Department of Transportation and Communications have yet to give clarification while the project was already bid out.

"Governor Davide is involved there and up to now he has not said anything while this thing is going on. The Cebuano mayors, businessmen, the chambers of commerce and industry are in the dark," Joseph said.

Davide admitted before the media yesterday that he has no idea what covers the P14.4 billion bid of GMR-Megawide Consortium for being so technical.

"All I know is kanang P14.4 billion mao na ang cost sa project," he said.

Davide assured that he will check it during the next MCIAA Board meeting.

MCIA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete earlier said the P17.5 billion covers a 20-year, two-phase period.

This means that it will not just cover the construction of a terminal building but will also include the construction of airport support facilities.

Joseph cited the Korean International Cooperation Agency study where it states that it only requires P5 billion to expand the terminal building. He questioned why the amount was suddenly bloated to P17.5 billion.

Joseph said that it is alarming that somebody won the bidding by paying the government P14.4 billion to manage the MCIA for 25 years.

According to him, there is no second runway involved in the project which could make Cebu really an international hub.

Among the apprehensions Joseph has brought is for the private management to create activities that can make money such as parking, concession, increase the rentals inside, charged airlines by several amount, terminal fees and other fees.

Joseph added that the management can also expand Duty Free shops so that they can earn money and perhaps stop all the private transportations so that they will be in control and kill the local business by competing not only on passengers but including cargos.

The bid of First Philippine Airports Consortium in the amount of P4.7 billion would be very reasonable, said Joseph.

"Why will you pay the government P14 billion? Kalokohan yan, ngayon ko lang nakitang ganyan, pataasan," said Joseph as he appeals the governor  to shed light as sitting MCIAA Board member.— (FREEMAN)