Chambers push for swift resolution to bidding row

CEBU, Philippines - The business chambers in Cebu appealed to the national government for the urgent implementation of the Mactan Cebu International Airport expansion project amid the present controversy between the bidding parties.

Local business leaders sent a letter dated February 20 to the Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya "requesting the government agency to expeditiously arrive at a resolution and award to whomever meets the standards and requirements for the expansion project.                    

The said resolution was signed by Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Lito Maderazo, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Philip Tan, Cebu Business Club President Dondi Joseph, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines President Michael Raeuber, and American Chamber of  Commerce of the Philippines President R.L. Bandy.  

The resolution reiterated the expressed support of the Cebu business leaders to the proposed expansion of the airport to further boost tourism and serve the increasing passenger traffic.  

The improvement and upgrade of  the airport will also be needed since Cebu is set  to host two major events, namely the APEC Summit and the ASEAN economic integration in 2015 that would attract investors and tourists in Cebu province and in the Visayas and Mindanao.

The resolution further stated that the current controversy between the Megawide Construction Corporation-GMR Infrastructure of India Airports and the Filinvest-Singapore Changi Group on the bidding process of the MCIA project has delayed its implementation and the subsequent opportunities it could provide.

Tan said the resolution was not intended to officially endorse one bidder but rather seek the speedy resolution of the expansion project.

"We do not care who will be given the award but the government should already decide whom to award it. The sooner, the better," he said.

He also said that the local business leaders are not taking a one-sided stance with the Megawide Construction Corporation-GMR Infrastructure of India Airports.

"We are not in the position to take sides. We are not part of the bidding process. We cannot tell who is telling the truth. What we want is to resolve the issue, start the project and finish it," he said.

Tan also said that the resolution was not for the sole benefit of the business community but also for the general welfare of the society.

"This is not a Chamber issue. Everybody is going to suffer if this will continue," he continued.

Maderazo also expressed hope that DOTC shall resolve the issue the soonest time possible.

Joseph said in a text message that all the Chambers supported the early resolution of the controversy.

"Resolved further that the process of decision making be done guided by good governance and principles of transparency and accountability," the resolution read.

Copies of the resolution will also be furnished to President Benigno Aquino III, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House of Representatives  Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., MCIAA General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson,  Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.  (FREEMAN)