DOTC assures bidding for LRT-Cavex aboveboard

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Wednesday assured that the bidding process for the P65 billion Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension (Cavex) project was aboveboard.

The DOTC made the reiteration following recent attempts to block its award to the winning bidder, the Light Rail Manila Consortium.

“This is clearly an attempt to block progress. The project will give residents of Paranaque, Las Pinas, and Cavite convenient and affordable transportation to the metropolis. Those who cannot afford to live in the business districts and economic centers will be given access to jobs and educational opportunities. Intrigues shouldn’t prevail over the interest of the riding public,” DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya said.

“We disagree with the assertion that this project does not need to be awarded yet. We cannot honestly say this to the riding public who have been waiting for this project for many years, those whose lives will be uplifted with the opportunities and quality of life that the project presents,” he added.

Abaya denid allegations that Undersecretary Rene Limcaoco’s brother is an officer of the winning bidder. He said there was no Jose Teodoro K. Limcaoco listed as a director, officer, or shareholder of AC Infrastructure or any other member company of the Light Rail Manila Consortium.

The consortium is composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (55 percent), AC Infrastructure (35 percent) and Macquarie (10 percent).

“We categorically state that we followed the law in bidding this project out. We are confident in the steps we have taken, and we will defend our actions in any forum,” Abaya said.

Meanwhile, the DOTC said that it has yet to set the date for the implementation of P11+1 fare increase for LRT-1, LRT-2, and the Metro Rail Transit III (MRT-3).

The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and MRT-3 have been seeking a fare increase since 2010.

The DOTC said that the proposals have undergone two public consultations.